Carbohydrate-active enzymes and transporters of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (CAZymes and transporters (Bifidobacterium/Lactobacillus))

This target group encompasses the diverse array of enzymes and transport systems used by beneficial gut bacteria, specifically those in the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera, to break down and internalize complex carbohydrates. These proteins, collectively known as Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) and specialized transporters such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and Phosphotransferase systems (PTS), allow these probiotics to utilize non-digestible dietary fibers (prebiotics) that escape human digestion (PMID: 32824110, 28956259). By metabolizing these substrates, the bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and lactate, which lower intestinal pH, inhibit the growth of pathogens, and provide energy to host colonocytes (PMID: 30144075). Modulating these targets through prebiotic supplementation or synbiotics is a primary therapeutic strategy for correcting gut dysbiosis and managing associated metabolic or inflammatory conditions. Because this entry represents a broad functional category of proteins across multiple species rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a collective target group (PMID: 24362462).

Other names

CAZymesGlycoside hydrolasesGlycosyltransferasesCarbohydrate esterasesPolysaccharide lyasesABC transportersPTS transportersProbiotic carbohydrate metabolic machinery

Selective fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates (prebiotics) by specific bacterial enzymes and transporters, leading to the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and the production of health-promoting metabolites like acetate and lactate.