Short communication: Genomic and phenotypic analyses of exopolysaccharides produced by Streptococcus thermophilus KLDS SM

Streptococcus thermophilus plays important roles in the dairy industry. Streptococcus thermophilus KLDS SM could produce a high amount of exopolysaccharides (EPS). To understand the possible link between the genotype and the phenotype regarding EPS, the complete genome of S. thermophilus KLDS SM was sequenced and investigated in silico for genes related to carbohydrate fermentation, nucleotide sugars synthesis, and EPS gene cluster. We found that S. thermophilus KLDS SM is able to ferment sucrose, mannose, glucose, galactose, and lactose from the genomic research, which was confirmed by API 50 CH (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). The genetic analysis of nucleotide sugars and EPS cluster revealed that the EPS produced by this strain are composed of galactose and glucose, in accordance with the biochemical result. Furthermore, differences in the molecular mass of EPS from S. thermophilus KLDS SM cultivated under different carbon sources were correlated with the transcription levels of the genes encoding chain length determination protein and glycosyltransferase. Our findings provide a better understanding of the link between the genetic elements and the chemical conformation of EPS and a theoretical basis for producing tailor-made EPS through genetic and metabolic engineering approaches.