News and Updates on Probiotics

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Probiotics are commonly recognized as functional microorganisms that are able to exert a positive effect on human health. Although both the mechanism of action and the effect of pathogens on human hosts have been extensively studied, the attention of the scientific community has only recently shifted towards the beneficial role played by microorganisms with probiotic features. Increasing evidence demonstrates that microorganisms with claimed probiotic properties could benefit human (in different age groups) and animal health by modulating the host’s metabolism, physiology, nutrition, and immune functions. In addition, based on the available literature, probiotics have emerged as agents that are able not only to maintain a healthy status but also to prevent and treat dysbiosis. The Topic “News and Updates of Probiotics" aims at increasing knowledge about probiotic functions; molecular mechanisms of the host-microbe interactions that enable beneficial outcomes; identification, characterization, and the mechanisms of action of bioactive molecules produced by probiotics; and the development of innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of diseases and dysbiosis. This Topic plans to publish original basic research articles, clinical studies, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to understanding probiotics, their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and applications in various fields. Potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Isolation, identification, and characterization of new probiotic strains;
• Studying the mechanisms of action by which probiotics exert health-promoting effects on the host, including interactions with microbiota, modulation of the immune function, and production of bioactive compounds;
• Clinical trials and epidemiological studies investigating the health effects of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of various dysbiosis and pathologic conditions as well as in improving animal health, growth performance, and disease resistance;
• Development of probiotic-containing foods, beverages, and dietary supplements for human and animal consumption;
• Development of probiotics for soil and plant health.

Dr. Alessandra Pino
Dr. Mutamed Ayyash
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Microbiology applmicrobiol	-	2.8	2021	13.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Fermentation fermentation	3.3	5.7	2015	15.5 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Foods foods	5.1	8.7	2012	14.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Microbiology Research microbiolres	2.2	2.8	2010	20.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	15.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	5.0	9.1	2009	12.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Applied Microbiology Fermentation Foods Microbiology Research Microorganisms Nutrients

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21 pages, 6074 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Potential of Probiotic-Derived P8 Protein as an Anti-Metastatic Agent in Colorectal Cancer

by Byung Chull An, Seungwoo Kim, Jaewon Ha, Sang-Hyuk Seok, Jun Won Park, Yongku Ryu and Myung Jun Chung

Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092175 - 17 Sep 2025

Viewed by 202

Abstract

We previously described the use of probiotics to deliver a Lactobacillus rhamnosus-derived therapeutic protein, P8, which has been identified as a candidate colorectal cancer (CRC) suppressor protein with anti-proliferation and anti-migration activities. P8 was found to penetrate cell membranes by endocytosis, suppressing [...] Read more.

We previously described the use of probiotics to deliver a Lactobacillus rhamnosus-derived therapeutic protein, P8, which has been identified as a candidate colorectal cancer (CRC) suppressor protein with anti-proliferation and anti-migration activities. P8 was found to penetrate cell membranes by endocytosis, suppressing cell proliferation through G₂ cell cycle arrest. Despite the ability of P8 to suppress cell migration in vitro, its mechanism of action in CRC is unclear. We profiled the P8-interacting partner proteins using the pull-down method with His-tagged bait P8 and then identified them by LC-MS/MS. Among the interacting targets, we focused on the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 1 (Smad1), which is well known as one of the important modulators of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-derived migration pathway in CRC. The present study discovers that P8 prevents the phosphorylation of Smad1 or heterologous complexes within the Smad family, interfering with the importation of Smad1 or its complexes into the nucleus. Thus, P8 significantly inhibits the up-regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes mediated by Smad1. P8 also inhibits the morphological changes required for cell migration or adhesion. P8 induces morphologic changes in DLD-1 cells, and their spheroid surfaces, resulting in a significant reduction of the number and length of filopodia, as well as the down-regulation of the expression of myosin X and its accumulation in filopodia tips. This phenomenon seems to be a major negative regulator of cell motility that could be of key importance in metastasis. Use of a mouse model of human CRC metastasis confirmed that P8 significantly suppresses the liver metastatic rate. Probiotic-derived protein P8 significantly suppresses CRC metastasis through inhibition of the Smad1-EMT signal pathway and cell–cell adhesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic News and Updates on Probiotics)

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17 pages, 5170 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Action Grouper Bone and Wakame Hydrolysates Supplement Enhances Exercise Performance and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

by Huey-Jine Chai, Tsung-Kai Yi, Yi-Feng Kao, Te-Hua Liu, Tsung-Yu Tsai and Yi-Ming Chen

Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182933 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Background: Sustainable, dual-action ergogenic strategies are underexplored; most products target a single pathway and rarely upcycle seafood sidestreams. We therefore tested an upcycled formulation combining grouper bone hydrolysate and Undaria pinnatifida extract (GU) for ergogenic and microbiota effects in mice. We tested [...] Read more.

Background: Sustainable, dual-action ergogenic strategies are underexplored; most products target a single pathway and rarely upcycle seafood sidestreams. We therefore tested an upcycled formulation combining grouper bone hydrolysate and Undaria pinnatifida extract (GU) for ergogenic and microbiota effects in mice. We tested the ergogenic and microbiota modulating effects of GU in mice versus a vehicle and a BCAA control. Methods: GU was prepared via enzymatic hydrolysis of marine by-products and administered to male ICR mice for 4 weeks. Mice were divided into five groups (n = 7/group), receiving a vehicle control, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement, or GU at three dose levels (1X, 2X, 3X) based on human-equivalent conversion. Exercise performance was assessed via grip strength and treadmill tests. Biochemical markers of fatigue, body composition, and safety indicators were also analyzed. Gut microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing and constrained principal coordinates analysis (CPCoA). Results: Four weeks of GU supplementation significantly enhanced exercise performance [(treadmill time ↑ Δ = 10.2–11.7 min versus vehicle (q ≤ 0.0002), grip strength ↑ Δ = 40.4–48.5 g (q ≤ 0.05)] and lean body mass [FFM ↑ at GU-1X (Δ = +0.80%, q = 0.0123)], surpassing the commercial BCAA control. Biochemical analyses indicated reduced exercise-induced lactate accumulation [(post-exercise lactate ↓ Δ = −2.71/−2.18 mmol·L⁻¹, q = 0.0006)]. Gut microbiota profiling revealed distinct shifts in community composition in GU-treated groups, notably with an increased abundance of beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Muribaculum. These alterations reflect the prebiotic activity of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, promoting a healthier gut microbial profile. Notably, GU improved metabolic markers (aspartate aminotransferase, [AST]; lactate dehydrogenase, [LDH]) without inducing toxicity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that GU functions as a dual-action supplement, coupling amino acid-mediated muscle anabolism with microbiome modulation to enhance physical performance and metabolic health. As an upcycled marine product, it presents a sustainable and effective strategy for exercise support. Future studies should include 90-day safety, mechanistic assays, and a preregistered human pilot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic News and Updates on Probiotics)

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19 pages, 1446 KB  

Open AccessReview

Postbiotics Derived from Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation: Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of Muscular Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Emili Bruna Toso Bueno, Kimberlly de Oliveira Silva, Maria Eduarda Ferraz Mendes, Lívia Batista de Oliveira, Felipe Prado de Menezes, Anna Cardoso Imperador, Lucimeire Fernandes Correia and Lizziane Kretli Winkelstroter

Fermentation 2025, 11(7), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070362 - 23 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1384

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in several muscular complications, including sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, and impaired muscle function. Recently, postbiotics derived from lactic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, [...] Read more.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in several muscular complications, including sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, and impaired muscle function. Recently, postbiotics derived from lactic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have emerged as potential therapeutic modulators for these complications. Postbiotics are bioactive metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), antimicrobial peptides, and other compounds produced by microorganisms during fermentation, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects. These metabolites are important due to their potential to positively influence muscle health in patients with IBD, mainly by reducing systemic and local inflammation, improving gut microbiota, and modulating muscle metabolism. Studies suggest that these postbiotics may help minimize muscle degradation and promote muscle tissue regeneration, assisting in the prevention or management of IBD-associated sarcopenia. Despite the promising results, challenges remain, such as variability in postbiotic production and the need for further clinical studies to establish clear therapeutic guidelines. This review article explores the mechanisms of action of postbiotics derived from lactic acid bacteria and their potential applications in the treatment of muscle complications in patients with IBD, highlighting future therapeutic perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic News and Updates on Probiotics)

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