scholarly journals Essential Roles of theSPPRAFructose-Phosphate Phosphohydrolase Operon in Carbohydrate Metabolism and Virulence Expression byStreptococcus Mutans

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Zeng ◽  
Robert A. Burne
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Constitutive Expression ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Sugar Phosphate

AbstractThe dental caries pathogenStreptococcus mutanscan ferment a variety of sugars to produce organic acids. Exposure ofS. mutansto certain non-metabolizable carbohydrates such as xylitol impairs growth and can cause cell death. Recently, the presence of a sugar-phosphate stress inS. mutanswas demonstrated using a mutant lacking 1-phosphofructokinase (FruK) that accumulates fructose-1-phosphate (F-1-P). Here we studied an operon inS. mutans, sppRA, which was highly expressed in thefruKmutant. Biochemical characterization of a recombinant SppA protein indicated that it possessed hexose-phosphate phosphohydrolase activity, with preferences for F-1-P and, to a lesser degree, fructose-6-phosphate (F-6-P). SppA activity was stimulated by Mg2+and Mn2+, but inhibited by NaF. SppR, a DeoR-family regulator, repressed the expression of thesppRAoperon to minimum levels in the absence of the fructose-derived metabolites, F-1-P and likely also F-6-P. Accumulation of F-1-P, as a result of growth on fructose, not only inducedsppAexpression, it significantly altered biofilm maturation through increased cell lysis and enhanced extracellular DNA release. Constitutive expression ofsppA, via a plasmid or by deletingsppR, greatly alleviated fructose-induced stress in afruKmutant, enhanced resistance to xylitol, and reversed effects of fructose on biofilm formation. Finally, by identifying three additional putative phosphatases that are capable of promoting sugar-phosphate tolerance, we show thatS. mutansis capable of mounting a sugar-phosphate stress response by modulating the levels of certain glycolytic intermediates, functions that are interconnected with the ability of the organism to manifest key virulence behaviors.ImportanceStreptococcus mutansis a major etiologic agent for dental caries, primarily due to its ability to form biofilms on tooth surface and to convert carbohydrates into organic acids. We have discovered a two-gene operon inS. mutansthat regulates fructose metabolism by controlling the levels of fructose-1-phosphate, a potential signaling compound that affects bacterial behaviors. With fructose becoming increasingly common and abundant in the human diet, we reveal the ways fructose may alter bacterial development, stress tolerance, and microbial ecology in the oral cavity to promote oral diseases.

scholarly journals Essential Roles of thesppRAFructose-Phosphate Phosphohydrolase Operon in Carbohydrate Metabolism and Virulence Expression byStreptococcus mutans

2018 ◽  
Vol 201 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Zeng ◽  
Robert A. Burne
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Constitutive Expression ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Sugar Phosphate ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTThe dental caries pathogenStreptococcus mutanscan ferment a variety of sugars to produce organic acids. Exposure ofS. mutansto certain nonmetabolizable carbohydrates, such as xylitol, impairs growth and can cause cell death. Recently, the presence of a sugar-phosphate stress inS. mutanswas demonstrated using a mutant lacking 1-phosphofructokinase (FruK) that accumulates fructose-1-phosphate (F-1-P). Here, we studied an operon inS. mutans,sppRA, which was highly expressed in thefruKmutant. Biochemical characterization of a recombinant SppA protein indicated that it possessed hexose-phosphate phosphohydrolase activity, with preferences for F-1-P and, to a lesser degree, fructose-6-phosphate (F-6-P). SppA activity was stimulated by Mg2+and Mn2+but inhibited by NaF. SppR, a DeoR family regulator, repressed the expression of thesppRAoperon to minimum levels in the absence of the fructose-derived metabolite F-1-P and likely also F-6-P. The accumulation of F-1-P, as a result of growth on fructose, not only inducedsppAexpression, but it significantly altered biofilm maturation through increased cell lysis and enhanced extracellular DNA release. Constitutive expression ofsppA, via a plasmid or by deletingsppR, greatly alleviated fructose-induced stress in afruKmutant, enhanced resistance to xylitol, and reversed the effects of fructose on biofilm formation. Finally, by identifying three additional putative phosphatases that are capable of promoting sugar-phosphate tolerance, we show thatS. mutansis capable of mounting a sugar-phosphate stress response by modulating the levels of certain glycolytic intermediates, functions that are interconnected with the ability of the organism to manifest key virulence behaviors.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutansis a major etiologic agent for dental caries, primarily due to its ability to form biofilms on the tooth surface and to convert carbohydrates into organic acids. We have discovered a two-gene operon inS. mutansthat regulates fructose metabolism by controlling the levels of fructose-1-phosphate, a potential signaling compound that affects bacterial behaviors. With fructose becoming increasingly common and abundant in the human diet, we reveal the ways that fructose may alter bacterial development, stress tolerance, and microbial ecology in the oral cavity to promote oral diseases.

scholarly journals Effects of pH on the Properties of Membrane Vesicles Including Glucosyltransferase in Streptococcus mutans

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Yusuke Iwabuchi ◽  
Tomoyo Nakamura ◽  
Yasuka Kusumoto ◽  
Ryoma Nakao ◽  
Tsutomu Iwamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Initial Ph ◽  
Effects Of Ph ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Quantitative Changes ◽  
Biofilm Development

Streptococcus mutans releases membrane vesicles (MVs) and induces MV-dependent biofilm formation. Glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) are bound to MVs and contribute to the adhesion and glucans-dependent biofilm formation of early adherent bacteria on the tooth surface. The biofilm formation of S. mutans may be controlled depending on whether the initial pH tends to be acidic or alkaline. In this study, the characteristics and effects of MVs extracted from various conditions {(initial pH 6.0 and 8.0 media prepared with lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA), and with NaOH (NO), respectively)} on the biofilm formation of S. mutans and early adherent bacteria were investigated. The quantitative changes in glucans between primary pH 6.0 and 8.0 conditions were observed, associated with different activities affecting MV-dependent biofilm formation. The decreased amount of Gtfs on MVs under the initial pH 6.0 conditions strongly guided low levels of MV-dependent biofilm formation. However, in the initial pH 6.0 and 8.0 solutions prepared with AA and NO, the MVs in the biofilm appeared to be formed by the expression of glucans and/or extracellular DNA. These results suggest that the environmental pH conditions established by acid and alkaline factors determine the differences in the local pathogenic activities of biofilm development in the oral cavity.

scholarly journals Antibiofilm Activity of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Flavonoids against Streptococcus mutans Bacteria

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Sri Kunarti ◽  
Aulia Ramadhani ◽  
Laskmiari Setyowati
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Garcinia Mangostana ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common infectious diseases and often occurs in the community caused by bacteria. Attached bacteria in the tooth surface for a long time will form a biofilm and will lead to demineralization characterized by damage in the structure of the tooth enamel. The bacteria that cause dental caries and can form biofilms is Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria inside biofilms are more resistant to antibacterial agents. Flavonoids in mangosteen pericarp extract can be a cleaner alternative for the anti-biofilm cavity that has properties against Streptococcus mutans. Purpose: To determine the activity of flavonoids in mangosteen pericarp extract at a certain concentration against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Methods: This study was a laboratory experimental study with a post-test only control group design. Streptococcus mutans were diluted according to the Mc Farland dilution standard 106 in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) medium and put in a flexible U-bottom microtiter plate. Then it was incubated for 5x24 hours and checked using crystal violet simple staining to see the formation of biofilms. Flavonoid extract of mangosteen pericarp performed serial dilution in a concentration of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.56%, and 0.78% was added, and the incubation process were conducted for 1x24 hours. OD (Optical Density) readings were done with a wavelength of 595 nm. Results: There was a significant difference between the test groups and the positive control group. The concentration of 100% had the anti-biofilm activity and showed the value of the highest percentage of inhibition, whilst the concentration of 0.78% showed a minimum biofilm inhibition concentration. The results were demonstrated by a statistical analysis test. Conclusion: Flavonoid extract of mangosteen pericarp at a certain concentration has anti-biofilm activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

scholarly journals Suppressive Effects of Octyl Gallate on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation, Acidogenicity, and Gene Expression

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (17) ◽  
pp. 3170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vika Gabe ◽  
Tomas Kacergius ◽  
Saleh Abu-Lafi ◽  
Mouhammad Zeidan ◽  
Basheer Abu-Farich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Colorimetric Method ◽  
Solid Surfaces ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Expression Change ◽  
Biofilm Development

The accumulation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans bacteria on hard tooth tissues leads to dental caries, which remains one of the most prevalent oral diseases. Hence, the development of new antibiofilm agents is of critical importance. The current study reports the results from testing the effectiveness of octyl gallate (C8-OG) against: (1) S. mutans biofilm formation on solid surfaces (polystyrene, glass), (2) acidogenicity, (3) and the expression of biofilm-related genes. The amount of biofilm formed by S. mutans bacteria was evaluated using the colorimetric method and optical profilometry. The pH of the biofilm growth medium was measured with microelectrode. A quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of genes encoding glucan binding protein B (gbpB), glucosyltransferases B, -C, -D (gtfB, -C, -D), and the F-ATPase β subunit of the F1 protein (atpD). The results show that C8-OG significantly diminished biofilm formation by exposed S. mutans on solid surfaces and suppressed acidogenicity in a dose-dependent manner, compared to unexposed bacteria (p < 0.05). The C8-OG concentration of 100.24 µM inhibited S. mutans biofilm development on solid surfaces by 100% and prevented a decrease in pH levels by 99%. In addition, the RT-qPCR data demonstrate that the biofilm-producing bacteria treated with C8-OG underwent a significant reduction in gene expression in the case of the four genes under study (gbpB, gtfC, gtfD, and atpD), and there was a slight decrease in expression of the gtfB gene. However, C8-OG treatments did not produce significant expression change compared to the control for the planktonic cells, although there was a significant increase for the atpD gene. Therefore, C8-OG might be a potent antibiofilm and/or anticaries agent for oral formulations that aim to reduce the prevalence of dental caries.

scholarly journals Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Preliminary Characterization of Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction of Glucosyltransferase B of Streptococcus mutans

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1984933
Author(s):  
Joshua L. Mieher ◽  
Norbert Schormann ◽  
Manisha Patel ◽  
Hui Wu ◽  
Champion Deivanayagam
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Single Crystal ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Persistent Disease ◽  
X Ray

Dental caries characterized by acid damage of tooth enamel is a persistent disease that begins with the formation of biofilms on the tooth surface. The secreted glucosyltransferases enable Streptococcus mutans to synthesize extracellular glucan polymers using ingested starch within the oral cavity, which eventually results in the production of acid, a contributing factor to cariogenesis. In this paper, we report the cloning, expression, purification, crystallization, and preliminary X-ray diffraction characterization of glucosyltransferase B.

scholarly journals Intranasal Immunization against Dental Caries with a Streptococcus mutans-Enriched Fimbrial Preparation

1999 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Fontana ◽  
Ann J. Dunipace ◽  
George K. Stookey ◽  
Richard L. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Cholera Toxin ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Mucosal Vaccine ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Cholera Toxin B Subunit ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Group A

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans has been identified as the major etiological agent of human dental caries. The first step in the initiation of infection by this pathogenic bacterium is its attachment (i.e., through bacterial surface proteins such as glucosyltransferases, P1, glucan-binding proteins, and fimbriae) to a suitable receptor. It is hypothesized that a mucosal vaccine against a combination ofS. mutans surface proteins would protect against dental caries by inducing specific salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies which may reduce bacterial pathogenesis and adhesion to the tooth surface by affecting several adhesins simultaneously. Conventional Sprague-Dawley rats, infected withS. mutans at 18 to 20 days of age, were intranasally immunized with a mixture of S. mutans surface proteins, enriched for fimbriae and conjugated with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) plus free cholera toxin (CT) at 13, 15, 22, 29, and 36 days of age (group A). Control rats were either not immunized (group B) or immunized with adjuvant alone (CTB and CT [group C]). At the termination of the study (when rats were 46 days of age), immunized animals (group A) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher salivary IgA and serum IgG antibody responses to the mixture of surface proteins and to whole bacterial cells than did the other two groups (B and C). No significant differences were found in the average numbers of recoveredS. mutans cells among groups. However, statistically fewer smooth-surface enamel lesions (buccal and lingual) were detected in the immunized group than in the two other groups. Therefore, a mixture of S. mutans surface proteins, enriched with fimbria components, appears to be a promising immunogen candidate for a mucosal vaccine against dental caries.

scholarly journals The Incidence of Bacterial Isolates Among Dental Caries Patients Attending Clinic At Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 166-171
Author(s):  
Orhue O. Philips ◽  
Omoregie Timothy ◽  
Idehen I. Charlse ◽  
Iserhienrhien Osamuyimen
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Streptococcus Sobrinus ◽  
Dental Clinic ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Laboratory Procedures

Despite the global public health importance of dental caries, it is greatly understudied. This study investigates the incidence and prevalent bacteria species in dental carries among patients attending dental clinic in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. Patients presenting with signs, symptoms and suspected cases of dental caries attending dental clinic in the hospital between May and July 2017 were recruited. Following standard laboratory procedures, swabs were obtained, morphologically and biochemically analyzed and data subjected to simple statistical analysis. Of the 340 suspected cases, 65.59% were positive for bacteria (25.11% in children and 74.89% in adult). Females were more likely (1.23 times) to be affected and 2.98 times more common in adults than children. The prevalent bacteria isolated was Streptococcus mutans (151; 67.7%), Streptococcus sobrinus (36; 16.4%), Lactobacillus acidophilus (22; 9.9%), Streptococcus salivarius (10; 4.5%) and lastly Streptococcus mitis (4; 1.8%). Biochemical characterization showed isolated Streptococus and Lactobacillus species were non-motile and negative to catalase, citrate, oxidase, indole and urease tests. This study showed the incidence of dental caries is high in the study area and that Streptococcus mutans is the most causative bacteria.

scholarly journals Uji Konsentrasi Hambat Minimum Ekstrak Daun Gedi (Abelmoschus manihot L.) terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Streptococcus Mutans

e-GIGI ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen N. Sekeon ◽  
Heriyannis Homenta ◽  
Michael A. Leman
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Cariogenic Bacteria ◽  
Group Design

Abstract: Streptococcus mutans is the most common bacterium that causes dental caries due to its ability to ferment carbohydrates into acid resulting in the decreased pH on the tooth surface. Prevention of dental caries could be achieved by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria. Various efforts to control and prevent the cariogenic bacteria include the usage of herbal ingredients; one of them is gedi leaves (Abelmoschus manihot L.). These gedi leaves contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. This study was aimed to prove that gedi leaf extract had inhibitory effect on the growth of S.mutans and to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this extract on the growth of S. mutans. This was a true experimental design with a randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Gedi leaf extract was obtained by maceration method in 96% ethanol. The results showed that gedi leaf extract had an antibacterial effect on the growth of S. mutans. We used turbidimetry, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and two times of treatment to obtain the MIC of gedi leaf extract on Streptococcus mutans which was 6.25%. Conclusion: Gedi leaf extract could inhibit the growth of S. mutans with a MIC of 6.25%.Keywords: dental caries, gedi leaf extract (Abelmoschus manihot L.), Streptococcus mutans Abstrak: Streptococcus mutans merupakan bakteri yang paling banyak menyebabkan karies gigi karena bakteri ini berkemampuan memfermentasi karbohidrat menjadi asam yang berakibat turunnya pH pada permukaan gigi. Pencegahan karies gigi dapat dicapai dengan menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri kariogenik. Berbagai upaya dilakukan untuk mengen-dalikan dan mencegah bakteri kariogenik, antara lain dengan menggunakan bahan herbal; salah satunya yaitu tanaman gedi (Abelmoschus manihot L.). Daun gedi mengandung senyawa bioaktif antara lain flavonoid, alkaloid, steroid, dan saponin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan efek inhibisi ekstrak daun gedi terhadap pertumbuhan S. mutans dan mendapatkan konsentrasi hambat minimum (KHM) ekstrak daun gedi terhadap pertumbuhan bakteri S. mutans. Jenis penelitian ini ialah eksperimental murni dengan randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Ekstrak daun gedi dibuat dengan metode maserasi dengan menggunakan etanol 96%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak daun gedi (Abelmoschus manihot L.) memiliki efek antibakteri dalam menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri Streptococcus mutans. Dengan menggunakan metode turbidimetri dan spektrofotometer UV-Vis dalam 2 (dua) kali perlakuan maka diperoleh KHM ekstrak daun gedi (Abelmoschus manihot L.) terhadap bakteri Streptococcus mutans terdapat pada konsentrasi 6,25%. Simpulan: Ekstrak daun gedi dapat meghambat pertumbuhan Streptococcus mutans dengan KHM pada konsentrasi 6,25%.Kata kunci: karies gigi, ekstrak daun gedi (Abelmoschus manihot L.), Streptococcus mutans

scholarly journals Disruption of L-Rhamnose Biosynthesis Results in Severe Growth Defects in Streptococcus mutans

2019 ◽  
Vol 202 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Bischer ◽  
Christopher J. Kovacs ◽  
Roberta C. Faustoferri ◽  
Robert G. Quivey
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Growth Defect ◽  
Cell Wall Polysaccharide ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Severe Growth

ABSTRACT The rhamnose-glucose cell wall polysaccharide (RGP) of Streptococcus mutans plays a significant role in cell division, virulence, and stress protection. Prior studies examined function of the RGP using strains carrying deletions in the machinery involved in RGP assembly. In this study, we explored loss of the substrate for RGP, l-rhamnose, via deletion of rmlD (encoding the protein responsible for the terminal step in l-rhamnose biosynthesis). We demonstrate that loss of rhamnose biosynthesis causes a phenotype similar to strains with disrupted RGP assembly (ΔrgpG and ΔrgpF strains). Deletion of rmlD not only caused a severe growth defect under nonstress growth conditions but also elevated susceptibility of the strain to acid and oxidative stress, common conditions found in the oral cavity. A genetic complement of the ΔrmlD strain completely restored wild-type levels of growth, whereas addition of exogenous rhamnose did not. The loss of rhamnose production also significantly disrupted biofilm formation, an important aspect of S. mutans growth in the oral cavity. Further, we demonstrate that loss of either rmlD or rgpG results in ablation of rhamnose content in the S. mutans cell wall. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of rhamnose production in both the fitness and the ability of S. mutans to overcome environmental stresses. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a pathogenic bacterium that is the primary etiologic agent of dental caries, a disease that affects billions yearly. Rhamnose biosynthesis is conserved not only in streptococcal species but in other Gram-positive, as well as Gram-negative, organisms. This study highlights the importance of rhamnose biosynthesis in RGP production for protection of the organism against acid and oxidative stresses, the two major stressors that the organism encounters in the oral cavity. Loss of RGP also severely impacts biofilm formation, the first step in the onset of dental caries. The high conservation of the rhamnose synthesis enzymes, as well as their importance in S. mutans and other organisms, makes them favorable antibiotic targets for the treatment of disease.

scholarly journals Salivary Mucins Protect Surfaces from Colonization by Cariogenic Bacteria

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 332-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Shapiro Frenkel ◽  
Katharina Ribbeck
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Planktonic Form

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how the body's natural defenses function to protect the oral cavity from the myriad of bacteria that colonize its surfaces is an ongoing topic of research that can lead to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. One key defense mechanism on all moist epithelial linings, such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs, is a layer of thick, well-hydrated mucus. The main gel-forming components of mucus are mucins, large glycoproteins that play a key role in host defense. This study focuses on elucidating the connection between MUC5B salivary mucins and dental caries, one of the most common oral diseases. Dental caries is predominantly caused byStreptococcus mutansattachment and biofilm formation on the tooth surface. OnceS. mutansattaches to the tooth, it produces organic acids as metabolic by-products that dissolve tooth enamel, leading to cavity formation. We utilize CFU counts and fluorescence microscopy to quantitatively show thatS. mutansattachment and biofilm formation are most robust in the presence of sucrose and that aqueous solutions of purified human MUC5B protect surfaces by acting as an antibiofouling agent in the presence of sucrose. In addition, we find that MUC5B does not alterS. mutansgrowth and decreases surface attachment and biofilm formation by maintainingS. mutansin the planktonic form. These insights point to the importance of salivary mucins in oral health and lead to a better understanding of how MUC5B could play a role in cavity prevention or diagnosis.

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