Researchers have figured out how to safely edit the genes of Bifidobacterium lactis, a popular probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and supplements. By using a natural gene-editing tool called CRISPR that already exists inside these bacteria, scientists created a reliable method to modify them. This breakthrough could help companies create better probiotic products that work more effectively in your gut. The study tested this new editing method on six different commercial probiotic strains and successfully made changes that affected how the bacteria digest different foods.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can scientists use a natural gene-editing system inside probiotic bacteria to safely and reliably modify them?
  • Who participated: Six different commercial strains of Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria, which are the same probiotics used in many yogurts and dietary supplements
  • Key finding: Scientists successfully edited genes in over 95% of the probiotic bacteria they tested, and the bacteria worked normally after the changes. They were able to make multiple edits in the same bacteria and remove the editing tools when finished.
  • What it means for you: This research could lead to better probiotic products in the future that work more effectively for digestive health, though these improved products aren’t available yet. The method is still in the research phase and will need further testing before reaching consumers.

The Research Details

Scientists studied six different commercial probiotic bacteria strains to see if they could edit their genes using a natural tool called CRISPR-Cas that already exists inside these bacteria. They designed special DNA instructions (plasmids) that would help the CRISPR system work better, testing different versions with various markers to track the changes. They then made specific edits to genes that control how the bacteria digest different types of sugars, and checked whether the bacteria still grew normally and functioned properly after the edits.

The researchers tested multiple approaches to make the editing more efficient, including trying different lengths of DNA sequences that help the new genes fit into the bacteria’s genome. They also tested whether they could remove the editing tools from the bacteria after making changes, which is important for creating safe final products. Finally, they performed multiple edits on the same bacteria to show that the method could be used repeatedly.

This research matters because probiotic bacteria have been difficult to edit using previous methods, which limited scientists’ ability to understand exactly how these bacteria help our health. By developing a reliable editing method, researchers can now systematically test which genes are responsible for probiotic benefits. This knowledge could help companies design better probiotic products tailored to specific health needs.

The study was published in a respected scientific journal focused on applied microbiology. The researchers tested their method across multiple commercial strains rather than just one, which shows the approach is broadly useful. They demonstrated successful editing in over 95% of cases and showed they could make multiple edits and remove editing tools, indicating a robust and practical method. However, the study focuses on the technical ability to edit the bacteria rather than testing whether these edited bacteria actually provide better health benefits in people.

What the Results Show

The scientists successfully developed a gene-editing toolkit that worked across all six commercial probiotic strains they tested. Using a special plasmid (a small circular piece of DNA) with a chloramphenicol resistance marker, they achieved high efficiency editing in most strains. The method allowed them to make precise changes to specific genes, with over 95% of the bacteria successfully incorporating the edits.

When they edited genes that control sugar digestion, the results were clear and measurable. For example, when they removed the gene for an enzyme called GH36 α-galactosidase, the bacteria could no longer digest melibiose and raffinose sugars. This confirmed that the edits were working exactly as intended and that the genes they removed were directly responsible for these specific functions.

The researchers also showed they could remove the editing plasmids from the bacteria after making changes, which is important for creating safe final products. Additionally, they demonstrated that they could make multiple sequential edits to the same bacteria, showing the method is flexible and can be used repeatedly.

When scientists edited other sugar-digesting genes (Balac 1596 and Balac 1593), they found unexpected results. The bacteria showed unusual patterns in how they used different sugars, suggesting these genes work together in complex ways. This finding indicates that probiotic bacteria have sophisticated systems for adapting to different foods, and that editing one gene can trigger compensatory changes in other genes.

Previous attempts to edit Bifidobacterium lactis using other CRISPR methods had limited success and only worked in a few strains. This new approach using the bacteria’s own natural CRISPR system is more efficient and works across many different commercial strains. The method is simpler and more practical than previous approaches, making it more likely to be adopted by researchers and companies developing probiotic products.

This study demonstrates that the editing method works technically, but it doesn’t show whether edited bacteria actually provide better health benefits in people. The research was conducted in laboratory conditions, not in human digestive systems where probiotics actually function. The study also doesn’t test long-term safety or whether edited bacteria would remain stable over time. Additionally, while the method works well for Bifidobacterium lactis, it may not work equally well for other probiotic bacteria species.

The Bottom Line

This research is primarily of interest to scientists and probiotic manufacturers rather than consumers. It provides a foundation for developing improved probiotic products, but those products don’t exist yet. Current probiotic products remain safe and may offer digestive benefits for some people, though evidence for specific health claims varies. If you’re interested in probiotics, continue using established products as directed, but understand that future versions may be more effective based on this research.

Scientists studying probiotics and companies that manufacture probiotic products should pay close attention to this research. Researchers interested in understanding how genes affect bacterial function will find this toolkit valuable. People with digestive health concerns may eventually benefit from improved probiotic products, but that’s likely years away. This research is not immediately relevant to individual consumer choices about current probiotic products.

This is basic research that establishes a new tool. It typically takes 5-10 years for such foundational research to lead to new consumer products. Scientists will first use this method to understand which genes make probiotics effective, then companies will develop improved strains, conduct safety testing, and seek regulatory approval. Don’t expect to see improved probiotic products based on this research for several years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track digestive symptoms (bloating, regularity, discomfort) weekly using a simple 1-10 scale if you currently use probiotics. This baseline data will be useful for comparing against future improved products once they become available.
  • No immediate behavior change is needed based on this research. However, users interested in probiotics can use the app to monitor their current digestive health, which will help them evaluate whether future probiotic products offer improvements.
  • Maintain a long-term digestive health log noting which probiotic products you use and any digestive changes you notice. This personal data will help you assess whether new probiotic products developed using this research technology offer better results than current options.

This research describes laboratory techniques for editing probiotic bacteria and does not evaluate health benefits in humans. Current probiotic products on the market remain safe and may offer digestive benefits for some individuals. Any health claims about probiotics should be discussed with a healthcare provider. This research is foundational work that may eventually lead to improved probiotic products, but such products are not yet available. Do not make changes to your probiotic use based on this research alone. Individuals with compromised immune systems or serious health conditions should consult their doctor before using any probiotic products.