Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei 2LB: Identification of Genes to Assess the Safety and Probiotic Potential of the Strain

In this study, we conducted a whole-genome analysis of the <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> subsp. <i>paracasei</i> 2LB isolated from Kazakh traditional fermented milk (koumiss) to identify genes associated with the safety and probiotic potential of the strain. A comparative genomic analysis of the core and pan-genome of <i>L. paracasei</i> 2LB was performed. Functional annotation revealed the presence of genes putatively involved in metabolism, genetic information processing, and cellular processes. In terms of safety parameters, the stability of its genetic material, the absence of the ability to synthesize virulence factors, and genes responsible for antibiotic resistance were characterized. Also, in vitro studies of the <i>L. paracasei</i> 2LB strain showed resistance to stress factors and antimicrobial activity, and the presence of coding sequences encoding adhesion factors, bacteriocins, bile salts, pH, cold and heat shock, and osmotic stress was observed through genomic analysis. These results indicate that the <i>L. paracasei</i> 2LB strain is a potential probiotic candidate and demonstrate that whole-genome analysis is a useful method for assessing the quality and safety of probiotics.