Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning
Published on: October 23, 2017
Genetic transformation in Streptococcus mutans requires a peptide secretion-like apparatus
1Department of Oral Biology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1052 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
Competence for genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus gordonii involves the ComAB secretion apparatus, which is thought to export the competence-stimulating peptide. Homologous secretory systems are also used for the export of certain bacteriocins and bacteriocin-like peptides. In this study, a similar secretory apparatus was found in the Streptococcus mutans genome, and its role in transformation was investigated. Gene inactivation resulted in a mutant deficient in transformability. We suggest that secretion of a peptide, possibly the competence-stimulating peptide itself, is involved in competence induction also in S. mutans.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Transformation
Overview of Secretory Vesicles
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Bacterial Transformation
Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion
Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems
Transformation

