Probiotic Characteristics and Safety Assessment of <i>Lacticaseibacillus casei</i> KGC1201 Isolated from <i>Panax ginseng</i>
Yun-Seok Lee, Hye-Young Yu, Mijin Kwon, Seungho Lee, Ji‐In Park, Jiho Seo, Sang-Kyu Kim
Abstract
type strain KCTC3109. Gene expression studies were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of KGC1201's acid resistance, and the expression of the glycosyltransferase gene was found to be significantly elevated under acidic conditions. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) biosynthesized by glycosyltransferase were also increased in KGC1201 compared to KCTC3109, which may contribute to better protection of KGC1201 cells from strong acidity. Therefore, KGC1201, with its increased acid resistance through molecular mechanisms and excellent probiotic properties, can be used in health functional foods to provide greater benefit to overall human health and well-being.