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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
A model of efficiency: stress tolerance by Streptococcus mutans.
José A Lemos1, Robert A Burne2
1Center for Oral Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|October 30, 2008
Summary
Streptococcus mutans, a dental caries pathogen, adapts to oral environments by integrating stress responses and virulence. This study details how its stress regulon impacts pathogenesis for persistence and cavity development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is a bacterial pathogen linked to human dental caries.
- Its 2002 genome sequence revealed adaptation to host-associated biofilms.
- S. mutans lacks typical stress-sensing systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight advances in understanding S. mutans stress regulon.
- To explore the interrelationship between stress response and pathogenesis.
- To elucidate mechanisms of S. mutans persistence and virulence in dental caries.
Main Methods:
- Functional genomics
- Proteomics
- Analysis of stress regulon and global transcriptional regulators
Main Results:
- S. mutans integrates stress regulon and global regulators for environmental adaptation.
- Coordination of responses to fluctuations modulates virulence.
- Mechanisms ensure persistence in the oral cavity and promote dental caries.
Conclusions:
- Advances in functional genomics and proteomics enhance understanding of S. mutans stress response.
- The stress regulon is intimately linked with S. mutans pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to combating dental caries.
