Genomic Research as a Means to Understand Bacterial Phylogeny and Ecological Adaptation of the Genus Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium의 분자생물학적 연구 동향

  • Kim, Geun-Bae (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University)
  • 김근배 (중앙대학교 산업과학대학 동물자원과학과)
  • Published : 2007.09.14

Abstract

The field of microbiology has in recent years been transformed by huge increasing number of publicly available whole-genome sequences. This sequence information has significantly enhanced our understanding of the physiology, genetics, and evolutionary development of bacteria. Among the gastrointestinal microorganisms, bifidobacteria represent important human commensals because of their perceived contribution to maintaining a balanced gastrointestinal tract microbiota. In recent years bifidobacteria have drawn much scientific attention due to their use as live bacteria in numerous food products with various health-related claims. For this reason, these bacteria constitute a growing area of interest with respect to genomics, molecular biology, and genetics. Recent genome sequencing of a number of bifidobacterial species has allowed access to the complete genetic make-up of these bacteria. This review will focus how genomic data has allowed us to understand bifidobacterial evolution, while also revealing genetic functions that explains their presence in the particular ecological environment of the gastrointestinal tract.

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