Correlation between cell-adherent activity and surface structure in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Periodontal Disease Research
• Bacterial Adhesion Mechanisms

Background:

• Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
• Understanding bacterial adhesion is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Strain variability in P. gingivalis virulence factors is well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cell-adherent ability of six P. gingivalis strains.
• To investigate the relationship between cell adherence, cell surface hydrophobicity, and fimbriae presence.
• To identify factors influencing P. gingivalis colonization of host cells.

Main Methods:

• Radiolabeled P. gingivalis strains were incubated with human gingival fibroblasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and epithelial cells.
• Cell-adherent activity was quantified by measuring bound bacterial cells.
• Bacterial surface hydrophobicity and fimbriae presence were assessed.

Main Results:

• Significant variation in cell-adherent activity was observed among the six P. gingivalis strains.
• Three strains (381, ATCC 33277, SU63) showed high adherence (14-72%), while three (KD1, W50, W83) showed low adherence (0.6-3.5%).
• High-adherent strains were hydrophobic and possessed numerous peritrichous fimbriae, whereas low-adherent strains were hydrophilic with few apparent fimbriae.

Conclusions:

• P. gingivalis cell-adherent activity is strain-dependent.
• Bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity and the abundance of fimbriae are key factors in P. gingivalis adherence to human cells.
• These findings contribute to understanding P. gingivalis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.