Isolation, identification, whole-genome sequencing, and functional analysis of a human-derived efficient uric acid-degrading bacterium M2a

Abstract:

[Background] Hyperuricemia is a purine metabolism disorder caused by an imbalance between uric acid production and excretion. The gut microbiota plays a significant role in purine metabolism, degrading approximately one-third of uric acid. Accordingly, gut probiotics have garnered wide attention for their potential of lowering uric acid levels and alleviating hyperuricemia. [Objective] To isolate human-derived uric acid-degrading bacteria and identify the genes and functions potentially involved in uric acid degradation. [Methods] After in vitro enrichment and acclimatization with uric acid, a strain capable of degrading uric acid was isolated from the feces of healthy individuals with normal low uric acid levels. Morphological observation, biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and identification were then carried out for this strain. In addition, whole-genome sequencing and functional gene mining were performed. [Results] A Gram-positive bacterium (M2a) with a high uric acid degradation rate of 82.73% was isolated and identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that M2a carried nine genes associated with uric acid degradation. [Conclusion] M2a can efficiently degrade uric acid, providing a scientific basis and bacterial resource for the future development and utilization of microbial preparations for treating uric acid-related disorders.

Key words:Lacticaseibacillus paracasei;strain identification;whole-genome sequencing;uric acid degradation;functional analysis