Whole genome sequencing and analysis of probiotic characteristics for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum EL2 isolated from yak yogurt

The traditional yak yogurt from Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture harbors a rich microbial community, from which a strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp. plantarum EL2) was isolated. Through whole genome sequencing and probiotic activity assays, the genomic characteristics of this strain and its genes related to probiotic properties were analyzed. The results demonstrate that EL2 exhibits excellent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella, as well as favorable antioxidative properties, acid and bile salt tolerance, and strong adhesive ability. The genome of EL2 is 3.48Mb in size, with a total length of 3,318,230 bp and a GC content of 44.48%. It contains 3155 open reading frames, spanning 2,773,647 bp, with a GC content of 45.58%. Bagel analysis reveals a bacteriocin gene cluster size of 20.3 kb in EL2, consisting of 22 genes encoding bacteriocins, as well as the identification of genes and pathways associated with gastrointestinal acid resistance and antioxidative properties. This is beneficial for the health of Tibetan individuals, and the research findings hold significant importance not only for the preservation and inheritance of probiotic strains in the Tibetan region, but also for the production and application of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains.