Lactobacillus fermentum 3872 genome sequencing reveals plasmid and chromosomal genes potentially involved in a probiotic activity

In this report we describe a Lactobacillus fermentum 3872 plasmid (pLF3872) not previously found in any other strain of this species. The analysis of the complete sequence of this plasmid revealed the presence of a gene encoding a large collagen-binding protein (CBP), as well as the genes responsible for plasmid maintenance and conjugation. Potential roles of CBP and a chromosomally encoded fibronectin-binding protein (FbpA) in probiotic activity are discussed.