NC_010609:1077453 Lactobacillus reuteri JCM 1112, complete genome
Host Lineage: Lactobacillus reuteri; Lactobacillus; Lactobacillaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This strain was isolated from the intestine of an adult human. They are commonly found in the oral, vaginal, and intestinal tracts of many animals. They are important industrial microbes that contribute to the production of cheese, yogurt, and other products such as fermented milks, all stemming from the production of lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of other organisms as well as lowering the pH of the food product. Industrial production requires the use of starter cultures, which are carefully cultivated, created, and maintained. These cultures produce specific end products during fermentation that impart flavor to the final product, as well as contributing important metabolic reactions, such as the breakdown of milk proteins during cheese production. The end product of fermentation, lactic acid, is also used as a starter molecule for complex organic molecule syntheses. Lactobacillus reuteri is a member of the normal microbial community of the gut in humans and animals. This organism produces antibiotic compounds, such as reutericin and reuterin, which have inhibitory effects on pathogenic microorganisms.