Researchers have completed the genome sequence and analysis of Leuconostoc lactis strain B34-1-7-1, a bacterium isolated from Panax ginseng in South Korea, reporting the findings in BMC Genomic Data. As a species, Leuconostoc lactis is classified as a heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium that is widely used as a starter culture in fermented food products. In earlier research, the specific strain B34-1-7-1—obtained from Panax ginseng sprouts cultivated under white light-emitting diode (LED) lighting—demonstrated promising probiotic potential, showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. The present study was undertaken to sequence and evaluate the genome of this strain, focusing on its functional characteristics and genomic features to assess its safety and probiotic suitability for industrial applications.

To assemble the complete genome of L. lactis B34-1-7-1, the investigators utilized a hybrid sequencing approach combining Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies. The resulting complete genome consists of two distinct genetic elements: a circular chromosome spanning 1,648,351 base pairs and a separate plasmid containing 12,481 base pairs. Across the entire sequenced genome, the researchers established an overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 43.6 percent. Structural annotation of the genetic material revealed that the genome encodes a total of 1,661 coding sequences (CDSs), alongside 68 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 12 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs).

Functional analysis of the predicted coding sequences allowed the authors to categorize the genetic repertoire using Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs). Through this functional classification, 99.15 percent of the coding sequences—representing 1,647 individual genes—were successfully assigned to COG functional groups. Alongside functional categorization, the authors performed genome-based safety screening to evaluate potential risks associated with the bacterium. The genomic screening identified no known antibiotic resistance genes and no known virulence factors, providing crucial genetic evidence that directly supports the biological safety of the L. lactis B34-1-7-1 strain for industrial deployment.

In addition to confirming safety-related genomic features, the analysis revealed specific enzymatic machinery linked to the strain’s functional characteristics. The researchers identified 23 genes associated with reductase and oxidase activities within the genome, which provides a defined genetic basis for the antioxidant potential observed in previous investigations of this strain. Together, the structural and functional genomic data generated by the hybrid Illumina-PacBio sequencing provide a foundational genomic resource, which supports the potential industrial application of L. lactis B34-1-7-1 within both the functional food and probiotic sectors.

Subject of Research: Complete genome sequencing and safety analysis of Leuconostoc lactis B34-1-7-1

Article Title: Complete genome sequence of Leuconostoc lactis B34-1-7-1 isolated from Panax ginseng in South Korea

Article References: Lee, H., Choi, Y.-R., Kim, E. B., & Lee, B. (2026). Complete genome sequence of Leuconostoc lactis B34-1-7-1 isolated from Panax ginseng in South Korea. BMC Genomic Data, 27(1), Article 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-026-01464-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12863-026-01464-0

Keywords: Leuconostoc lactis, Panax ginseng, whole-genome sequencing, probiotics, antioxidant genes, functional foods, bacterial genetics, food microbiology, Complete, genome, sequence, Leuconostoc