Surface display of pancreatic lipase inhibitor peptides by engineered Saccharomyces boulardii: Potential as an anti-obesity probiotic

The inhibition of lipid absorption in digestive system is an effective strategy in obesity treatment. Pancreatic Lipase inhibitor (PLI) peptides, as novel anti-obesity agents, are currently under focus. In the present study we used a yeast surface display system to express PLI peptides in probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Using bioinformatic approaches, two PLIs were chosen and accordingly, two different gene cassettes encoding surface GFP-PLI fusion proteins were successfully expressed in S. boulardii. The results of in vitro PL inhibition assay indicated a significant dose-dependent effect for both recombinant S. boulardii-PLI1 and 2 with IC50 of 106 and 104 cells/ reaction, respectively. The biological activity of these recombinant probiotics was examined in a rat model of obesity. The oral administration of recombinant yeasts (109 yeast cells/rat/day) resulted in significant weight loss and reduced serum lipids in treated animals. Our results indicate the potential application of such engineered strains in treating obesity.

Automated summary

Inhibition of lipid absorption is an effective strategy in obesity treatment. Pancreatic Lipase inhibitor (PLI) peptides, as novel anti-obesity agents, were expressed in Saccharomyces boulardii using a yeast surface display system. The recombinant probiotics showed dose-dependent PL inhibition in vitro and significant weight loss and reduced serum lipids in a rat model of obesity, indicating their potential application in treating obesity.