Mucin degradation by Bifidobacterium strains isolated from the human intestinal microbiota.

ABSTRACT: The presence of the genes engBF (endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase) and afcA (1,2-alpha-L-fucosidase) was detected in several intestinal Bifidobacterium isolates. Two strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum contained both genes, and they were able to degrade high-molecular weight porcine mucin in vitro. The expression of both genes was highly induced in the presence of mucin.

SUBMITTER: Ruas-Madiedo P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268317 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature