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 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 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.

scholarly journals Quantitative Proteomics Uncovers the Interaction between a Virulence Factor and Mutanobactin Synthetases in Streptococcus mutans

mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Rainey ◽  
Landon Wilson ◽  
Stephen Barnes ◽  
Hui Wu
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Quantitative Proteomics ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Matrix Composition ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Oral Streptococci ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of tooth decay, has developed multiple adhesion and virulence factors which enable it to colonize and compete with other bacteria. The putative glycosyltransferase SMU_833 is important for the virulence of S. mutans by altering the biofilm matrix composition and cariogenicity. In this study, we further characterized the smu_833 mutant by evaluating its effects on bacterial fitness. Loss of SMU_833 led to extracellular DNA-dependent bacterial aggregation. In addition, the mutant was more susceptible to oxidative stress and less competitive against H2O2 producing oral streptococci. Quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that SMU_833 deficiency resulted in the significant downregulation of 10 proteins encoded by a biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for the production of mutanobactin, a compound produced by S. mutans which helps it survive oxidative stress. Tandem affinity purification demonstrated that SMU_833 interacts with the synthetic enzymes responsible for the production of mutanobactin. Similar to the smu_833 mutant, the deletion of the mutanobactin gene cluster rendered the mutant less competitive against H2O2-producing streptococci. Our studies revealed a new link between SMU_833 virulence and mutanobactin, suggesting that SMU_833 represents a new virulent target that can be used to develop potential anticaries therapeutics. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is the major bacterium associated with dental caries. In order to thrive on the highly populated tooth surface and cause disease, S. mutans must be able to protect itself from hydrogen peroxide-producing commensal bacteria and compete effectively against the neighboring microbes. S. mutans produces mutacins, small antimicrobial peptides which help control the population of competing bacterial species. In addition, S. mutans produces a peptide called mutanobactin, which offers S. mutans protection against oxidative stress. Here, we uncover a new link between the putative glycosyltransferase SMU_833 and the mutanobactin-synthesizing protein complex through quantitative proteomic analysis and a tandem-affinity protein purification scheme. Furthermore, we show that SMU_833 mediates bacterial sensitivity to oxidative stress and bacterial ability to compete with commensal streptococci. This study has revealed a previously unknown association between SMU_833 and mutanobactin and demonstrated the importance of SMU_833 in the fitness of S. mutans.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stressors Modify the Response of Streptococcus mutans to Its Competence Signal Peptides

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew De Furio ◽  
Sang Joon Ahn ◽  
Robert A. Burne ◽  
Stephen J. Hagen
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Oral Biofilm ◽  
Genetic Competence ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTThe dental caries pathogenStreptococcus mutansis continually exposed to several types of stress in the oral biofilm environment. Oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species has a major impact on the establishment, persistence, and virulence ofS. mutans. Here, we combined fluorescent reporter-promoter fusions with single-cell imaging to study the effects of reactive oxygen species on activation of genetic competence inS. mutans. Exposure to paraquat, which generates superoxide anion, produced a qualitatively different effect on activation of expression of the gene for the master competence regulator, ComX, than did treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which can yield hydroxyl radical. Paraquat suppressed peptide-mediated induction ofcomXin a progressive and cumulative fashion, whereas the response to H2O2displayed a strong threshold behavior. Low concentrations of H2O2had little effect on induction ofcomXor the bacteriocin genecipB, but expression of these genes declined sharply if extracellular H2O2exceeded a threshold concentration. These effects were not due to decreased reporter gene fluorescence. Two different threshold concentrations were observed in the response to H2O2, depending on the gene promoter that was analyzed and the pathway by which the competence regulon was stimulated. The results show that paraquat and H2O2affect theS. mutanscompetence signaling pathway differently, and that some portions of the competence signaling pathway are more sensitive to oxidative stress than others.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutansinhabits the oral biofilm, where it plays an important role in the development of dental caries. Environmental stresses such as oxidative stress influence the growth ofS. mutansand its important virulence-associated behaviors, such as genetic competence.S. mutanscompetence development is a complex behavior that involves two different signaling peptides and can exhibit cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Although oxidative stress is known to influenceS. mutanscompetence, it is not understood how oxidative stress interacts with the peptide signaling or affects heterogeneity. In this study, we used fluorescent reporters to probe the effect of reactive oxygen species on competence signaling at the single-cell level. Our data show that different reactive oxygen species have different effects onS. mutanscompetence, and that some portions of the signaling pathway are more acutely sensitive to oxidative stress than others.

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 A Highly Arginolytic Streptococcus Species That Potently Antagonizes Streptococcus mutans

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2187-2201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuelian Huang ◽  
Sara R. Palmer ◽  
Sang-Joon Ahn ◽  
Vincent P. Richards ◽  
Matthew L. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Indicator Strain ◽  
Arginine Deiminase ◽  
Intercellular Signaling ◽  
Oral Biofilm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Plaque Ph ◽  
Mutant Derivative ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses

ABSTRACTThe ability of certain oral biofilm bacteria to moderate pH through arginine metabolism by the arginine deiminase system (ADS) is a deterrent to the development of dental caries. Here, we characterize a novelStreptococcusstrain, designated strain A12, isolated from supragingival dental plaque of a caries-free individual. A12 not only expressed the ADS pathway at high levels under a variety of conditions but also effectively inhibited growth and two intercellular signaling pathways of the dental caries pathogenStreptococcus mutans. A12 produced copious amounts of H2O2via the pyruvate oxidase enzyme that were sufficient to arrest the growth ofS. mutans. A12 also produced a protease similar to challisin (Sgc) ofStreptococcus gordoniithat was able to block the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP)–ComDE signaling system, which is essential for bacteriocin production byS. mutans. Wild-type A12, but not ansgcmutant derivative, could protect the sensitive indicator strainStreptococcus sanguinisSK150 from killing by the bacteriocins ofS. mutans. A12, but notS. gordonii, could also block the XIP (comX-inducingpeptide) signaling pathway, which is the proximal regulator of genetic competence inS. mutans, but Sgc was not required for this activity. The complete genome sequence of A12 was determined, and phylogenomic analyses compared A12 to streptococcal reference genomes. A12 was most similar toStreptococcus australisandStreptococcus parasanguinisbut sufficiently different that it may represent a new species. A12-like organisms may play crucial roles in the promotion of stable, health-associated oral biofilm communities by moderating plaque pH and interfering with the growth and virulence of caries pathogens.

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 Genetic Analysis of Mutacin B-Ny266, a Lantibiotic Active against Caries Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Dufour ◽  
Abdelahhad Barbour ◽  
Yuki Chan ◽  
Marcus Cheng ◽  
Taimoor Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Oral Bacteria ◽  
Oral Streptococci ◽  
Chromosomal Locus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Plaque Biofilm

ABSTRACT Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized proteinaceous antibacterial peptides. They selectively interfere with the growth of other bacteria. The production and secretion of bacteriocins confer a distinct ecological advantage to the producer in competing against other bacteria that are present in the same ecological niche. Streptococcus mutans, a significant contributor to the development of dental caries, is one of the most prolific producers of bacteriocins, known as mutacins in S. mutans. In this study, we characterized the locus encoding mutacin B-Ny266, a lantibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. The chromosomal locus is composed of six predicted operon structures encoding proteins involved in regulation, antimicrobial activity, biosynthesis, modification, transport, and immunity. Mutacin B-Ny266 was purified from semisolid cultures, and two inhibitory peptides, LanA and LanA′, were detected. Both peptides were highly modified. Such modifications include dehydration of serine and threonine and the formation of a C-terminal aminovinyl-cysteine (AviCys) ring. While LanA peptide alone is absolutely required for antimicrobial activity, the presence of LanA′ enhanced the activity of LanA, suggesting that B-Ny266 may function as a two-peptide lantibiotic. The activation of lanAA′ expression is most likely controlled by the conserved two-component system NsrRS, which is activated by LanA peptide but not by LanA′. The chromosomal locus encoding mutacin B-Ny266 was not universally conserved in all sequenced S. mutans genomes. Intriguingly, the genes encoding LanAA′ peptides were restricted to the most invasive serotypes of S. mutans. IMPORTANCE Although dental caries is largely preventable, it remains the most common and costly infectious disease worldwide. Caries is initiated by the presence of dental plaque biofilm that contains Streptococcus mutans, a species extensively characterized by its role in caries development and formation. S. mutans deploys an arsenal of strategies to establish itself within the oral cavity. One of them is the production of bacteriocins that confer a competitive advantage by targeting and killing closely related competitors. In this work, we found that mutacin B-Ny266 is a potent lantibiotic that is effective at killing a wide array of oral streptococci, including nearly all S. mutans strains tested. Lantibiotics produced by oral bacteria could represent a promising strategy to target caries pathogens embedded in dental plaque biofilm.

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