Genomic insights into adhesion mechanisms of Tibetan yak milk-derived Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: Synergistic effects of co-culture on probiotic properties

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CD11 and MT35, isolated from traditional Tibetan yak yogurt, were analyzed through whole-genome sequencing to decipher adhesion-related genetic traits and explore their synergistic potential as co-cultured probiotics. The genomes of CD11 (3,318,317 bp, GC 44.48%, 4,200 genes) and MT35 (3,318,231 bp, GC 44.48%, 3,155 genes) harbored 12 conserved adhesion genes, including dltABCD (lipoteichoic acid synthesis) and collagen-binding proteins (Cbp). Co-cultured strains exhibited a 5% higher adhesion to Caco-2 cells ( P < 0.05) and 12.7% enhanced survival in simulated intestinal fluid compared to monocultures, indicating superior gastrointestinal tolerance. Structural analysis revealed adhesion proteins dominated by α-helices (62.1 ± 8.3%), suggesting stability under food processing and digestive stresses. Notably, CD11/MT35 encoded unique collagen-binding domains, potentially improving texture modulation in fermented dairy matrices. These findings highlight the strains’ dual role as probiotics and functional food additives, offering strategies to enhance fermented product shelf-life, gut barrier enhancement, and industrial scalability. This study provides the first genomic framework of L plantarum of Tibetan origin, which provides a theoretical basis for targeted screening of highly adherent probiotics and combines microbial genomics with dairy technology innovation. • Provided comprehensive responses and refinements to each of the valuable reviewer comments. • Added depth and innovation to the genomic analysis: CD11 and MT35 were confirmed to be different strains of the same species by average nucleotide identity, and the molecular mechanism of strain synergism was revealed in combination with functional gene annotations (and phenotypic association analysis). • An organic blend of theory and practical application, the discussion section has been reconstructed to add data theory. • A clear articulation of research limitations and future directions: a frank acknowledgement of the need for further validation of synergistic mechanisms through gene knockouts, transcriptomics, etc., and the necessity of industrialised safety assessments.