Advancements in : probiotic characteristics, gene editing technologies and applications.

The exploration of microorganisms in fermented products has become a pivotal area of scientific research, primarily due to their widespread availability and profound potential to improve human health. Among these, (formerly known as ) stands out as a versatile lactic acid bacterium, prevalent across diverse ecological niches. Its appeal extends beyond its well-documented probiotic benefits to include the remarkable plasticity of its genome, which has captivated both scientific and industrial stakeholders. Despite this interest, substantial challenges persist in fully understanding and harnessing the potential of . This review aims to illuminate the probiotic attributes of , consolidate current advancements in gene editing technologies, and explore the multifaceted applications of both wild-type and genetically engineered strains.