Groundbreaking Enzyme Discovery Holds Promise for Prebiotic Science

**In a pioneering effort led by Associate Professor Masahiro Nakajima, a team from the Tokyo University of Science uncovered a novel β-galactosidase enzyme in the gut bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens.** This enzyme uniquely targets galactose-containing glycans, including galactooligosaccharides (GOS) with specific β-1,2-galactosidic linkages, which have potential prebiotic capabilities. Identified as Bxy_22780, the enzyme's discovery opens new pathways for understanding the functions of complex glycans and their potential applications in improving human health. Though its prebiotic properties are yet unproven, the enzyme holds promise for developing innovative food and supplement products aimed at enhancing gut health. Additionally, the enzyme might offer therapeutic benefits in treating diseases like Chagas disease. The research highlights the enzyme's specificity towards β-1,2-galactobiose and β-1,2-galactotriose and elucidates its selective nature through structural studies. These findings, published in Communications Biology, underscore a crucial advancement in prebiotic research and the possible formulation of new life-saving drugs.