Analysis of the milk kefir pan-metagenome reveals four community types, core species, and associated metabolic pathways

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108004
• Publication Date: 2023-09-21T23:57:46Z
• Authors: Liam H. Walsh; Mairéad Coakley; Aaron M. Walsh; Fiona Crispie; Paul W. O’Toole; Paul D. Cotter
• Keywords: Kefir; Lactococcus; Pasteurization

A comprehensive metagenomics-based investigation of the microorganisms present within milk kefir communities from across globe was carried out with a view to defining pan-metagenome, including details relating core and non-core components. Milk samples, generated by inoculating full fat, pasteurized cow's 64 grains sourced 25 different countries, were analyzed. We identified features, consistent pattern domination representatives species Lactobacillus helveticus or sub-species kefiranofaciens subsp. kefiranofaciens, Lactococcus lactis Lla. cremoris in each kefir. Notably, even kefirs where lactococci did not dominate, they 51 associated metabolic pathways all metagenomes. These insights can contribute future efforts create tailored kefir-based microbial for applications assist regulators producers ensure that products have composition reflects artisanal beverage.