Genomic analysis of cholesterol-reducing probiotic candidates from an Indonesian traditional fermented fish, Dengke naniura

Naniura is a fish-based fermented food from one of the local tribes of Indonesia, which has been consumed for centuries. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from naniura and were confirmed for having cholesterol-reduction capability. The study investigated the molecular characterization of those 15 isolates. The results showed that the isolates reduced the cholesterol level by a range of 34 – 65%. The highest cholesterol-reduction capability was shown by RS-9. RS-9 and RS-12, representing the highest cholesterolreduction capability from round- and rod-shaped, respectively, were examined for their molecular identity. Genome sequencing results showed that the isolates were closely related to Pediococcus pentosaceus ATCC 33316 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 20174. Its capability in cholesterol reduction activity was due to the presence of bile salt hydrolase. In conclusion, the cholesterol-reduction capability in isolate RS-9 and RS-12 were due to the presence of P. pentosaceus and L. plantarum, respectively.