Staphylococcus epidermidis FB146 isolated from fermented foods produces putrescine
Polyamines are aliphatic hydrocarbons with amino groups at both ends of their molecular structure, and are essential for biological activities. It has been reported that polyamines have health-promoting effects on animals, such as polyamine intake extending lifespan. If a bacterium that produces high levels of polyamines is isolated from foods, it could be utilized as a new probiotic. We aimed to screen high polyamine-producing bacteria, and isolated and collected bacteria from and fermented foods produced in Japan. We have successfully screened Staphylococcus epidermidis FB146 isolated from miso as a putrescine producing bacteria. Comparing the polyamine synthesis capacity of S. epidermidis FB146 with that of typical Staphylococcus bacteria, it was found that S. epidermidis FB146 was capable of producing high levels of putrescine. Whole-genome analysis of S. epidermidis FB146 suggested that putrescine is synthesized via ornithine decarboxylase.