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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
09:51

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Published on: September 14, 2019

Mutacins from Streptococcus mutans UA159 are active against multiple streptococcal species

Mohammad Shahnoor Hossain1, Indranil Biswas

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|February 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus mutans produces two mutacins. Both nlmA and nlmB genes are essential for optimal mutacin IV activity, which targets multiple Streptococcus species, suggesting potential synergistic effects with mutacin V.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Streptococcus mutans UA159 produces two nonlantibiotic mutacins: mutacin IV (nlmAB) and mutacin V (nlmC).
  • Previous reports suggested differing requirements for nlmA and nlmB in mutacin IV production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific roles of nlmA and nlmB in Streptococcus mutans mutacin IV activity.
  • To determine the inhibitory spectrum of mutacin IV and mutacin V against various Streptococcus species.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic studies involving targeted gene modifications.
  • Analysis of semipurified mutacin molecules.
  • Antimicrobial activity assays against multiple Streptococcus species.

Main Results:

  • Both nlmA and nlmB genes are demonstrated to be essential for optimal mutacin IV activity.
  • Mutacin IV exhibits broad-spectrum activity against multiple Streptococcus species.
  • Mutacin V shows a narrower inhibitory range compared to mutacin IV.

Conclusions:

  • The findings clarify the genetic requirements for mutacin IV production, highlighting the necessity of both nlmA and nlmB.
  • Mutacin IV possesses significant antimicrobial potential against diverse Streptococcus species.
  • The distinct inhibitory profiles of mutacin IV and mutacin V suggest potential synergistic interactions for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.

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