biostudies-literatureLugli GAMinistero della SaluteMinistero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR)Ministero dell&apos;Università e della RicercaMinistero della Salute (Italy Ministry of Health)e0108024https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11497779biostudies-literatureUnknown90(10)Bifidobacteria are recognized as health-promoting bacteria that reside in the human gut, helping in the digestion of fiber, preventing infections, and producing essential compounds like vitamins. To date, <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i>, together with <i>Bifidobacterium adolescentis</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium bifidum</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium breve,</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i>, represents one of the species that are used as probiotic bacteria. Despite the extensive and detailed scientific research conducted on this microbial taxon, the molecular mechanisms by which <i>B. animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i> exerts health benefits to its host are still largely unknown. Thus, we dissected the genetic repertoire and phylogenetic relationship of 162 strains of <i>B. animApplied and environmental microbiologyCharacterization of a &lt;i&gt;Bifidobacterium animalis&lt;/i&gt; subsp. &lt;i&gt;lactis&lt;/i&gt; reference strain based on ecology and transcriptomics.PMC11497779GR-2018-1236598820229LEB99Taurino GVentura MAlessandri GLugli GATarracchini CArgentini CAngelini LBussolati OMilani CBianchi MGTurroni FMancabelli LViappiani AAnzalone RLonghi GfalseCharacterization of a &lt;i&gt;Bifidobacterium animalis&lt;/i&gt; subsp. &lt;i&gt;lactis&lt;/i&gt; reference strain based on ecology and transcriptomics.Bifidobacteria are recognized as health-promoting bacteria that reside in the human gut, helping in the digestion of fiber, preventing infections, and producing essential compounds like vitamins. To date, <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i>, together with <i>Bifidobacterium adolescentis</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium bifidum</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium breve,</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i>, represents one of the species that are used as probiotic bacteria. Despite the extensive and detailed scientific research conducted on this microbial taxon, the molecular mechanisms by which <i>B. animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i> exerts health benefits to its host are still largely unknown. Thus, we dissected the genetic repertoire and phylogenetic relationship of 162 strains of <i>B. anim2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Oct2025-04-04T10:42:15.54Z2025-04-04T10:42:15.54ZS-EPMC114977793923539510.1128/aem.01080-24