Multi-Metaomics Unveils the Development Process of Microbial Communities During the Fermentation of Baobaoqu

TL;DR

This study explores how microbial communities, enzymes, and metabolites interact during the fermentation of Baobaoqu, a traditional Chinese baijiu starter.

Contribution

The study integrates multi-omics to reveal the dynamic microbial and metabolic processes in Baobaoqu fermentation.

Findings

Only 34.04% of detected microorganisms were active during fermentation.

Metabolic routes for lactate, pyrazines, and phenylethyl alcohol were identified.

Microbial progression was tightly linked to enzyme activity and flavor substrates in three fermentation stages.

Abstract

In order to understand the dynamic interaction process among species, enzymes, and metabolites during the fermentation process of Baobaoqu, which is a representative Daqu starter for Chinese baijiu, the intimate connection between the progression of microbial communities and the diversities and activities of enzymes was examined by metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics. It was found that while 5211 species of microorganisms were detected by metagenomics, only 1774 active species were detected by metatranscriptomics, which indicated that only a small proportion (34.04%) were active. The metabolic routes associated with the breakdown of substrates and synthesis of metabolites were redesigned, and the special functional microorganisms for lactate, pyrazines and phenylethyl alcohol production were isolated. It was found that the progression of the microbial community was highly coupled with the components of enzymes and flavor substrates, precisely corresponding to the three stages of the Baobaoqu fermentation process, and were regulated by multiple physical factors. During the Baobaoqu-making process of the fermentation, microorganisms with different functions work together to complete metabolism in different stages. These findings will aid us in gaining a deeper and clearer understanding of the “species–enzyme–metabolite” system within the Daqu starter culture, thus offering valuable perspectives for developing artificial synthetic communities and the production of high-quality Baobaoqu.

Figures