title: Genetic modification of intestinal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
abstract: Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are important members of the gastrointestinal microflora of man and animals. There is a substantial and growing body of evidence that these microbes provide benefits to the host in which they reside. Understanding the roles of these two groups of bacteria in the intestine continues to be a significant challenge. To this end, genetic characterisation and manipulation of intestinal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is essential to define their contributions to the intestinal microflora, and to potentially exploit any beneficial or unique properties. This review will describe the tools and strategies currently available for the genetic manipulation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Additionally, the ramifications and opportunities that may arise as a result of the genetic manipulation of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria will be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7624, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kullen
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Klaenhammer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000235:genetics*; D003227:Conjugation, Genetic; D015870:Gene Expression; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics; D019936:Probiotics; D014170:Transformation, Genetic