Identification of a Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase in Lactococcus lactis
Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
The gut microbiome contains a vast array of microorganisms that aid in nutrient uptake, mediate inflammatory responses, and perform a variety of other functions. The gut microbiome can synthesize a variety of neurotransmitters that can affect the human body, including melatonin, which helps humans regulate their circadian rhythms. One specific microbe that can be acquired through probiotics or through other natural remedies is Lactococcus lactis, which is used in fermenting dairy products. This study aims to determine if L. lactis can synthesize melatonin from serotonin utilizing a key enzyme known as serotonin n-acetyltransferase. This study utilized a variety of bioinformatics tools, including BLAST, MUSCLE, CLUSTAL, and WebLogo, to compare a hypothetical protein found in L. lactis to confirmed serotonin n-acetyltransferase enzymes found in closely related species. The results demonstrate stark overall similarities between the hypothetical protein found in L. lactis and the confirmed functional enzymes found in Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Lactococcus cremoris. Since the hypothetical protein holds similar protein domains as the other confirmed enzymes, this protein found in L. lactis has a large likelihood of performing similar functions as serotonin n-acetyltransferase. Further research could demonstrate if L. lactis can produce melatonin in a closed system if serotonin is introduced.
Identification of a Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase in Lactococcus lactis
2nd floor - Library
The gut microbiome contains a vast array of microorganisms that aid in nutrient uptake, mediate inflammatory responses, and perform a variety of other functions. The gut microbiome can synthesize a variety of neurotransmitters that can affect the human body, including melatonin, which helps humans regulate their circadian rhythms. One specific microbe that can be acquired through probiotics or through other natural remedies is Lactococcus lactis, which is used in fermenting dairy products. This study aims to determine if L. lactis can synthesize melatonin from serotonin utilizing a key enzyme known as serotonin n-acetyltransferase. This study utilized a variety of bioinformatics tools, including BLAST, MUSCLE, CLUSTAL, and WebLogo, to compare a hypothetical protein found in L. lactis to confirmed serotonin n-acetyltransferase enzymes found in closely related species. The results demonstrate stark overall similarities between the hypothetical protein found in L. lactis and the confirmed functional enzymes found in Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Lactococcus cremoris. Since the hypothetical protein holds similar protein domains as the other confirmed enzymes, this protein found in L. lactis has a large likelihood of performing similar functions as serotonin n-acetyltransferase. Further research could demonstrate if L. lactis can produce melatonin in a closed system if serotonin is introduced.
