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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Published on: September 14, 2019

The collagen-binding protein of Streptococcus mutans is involved in haemorrhagic stroke

Kazuhiko Nakano1, Kazuya Hokamura, Naho Taniguchi

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

Nature Communications
|September 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus mutans expressing collagen-binding protein (CBP) is linked to hemorrhagic stroke. This specific bacterial protein exacerbates brain hemorrhages in mice and is more common in stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
  • While numerous risk factors for stroke are known, a significant portion of cases remain unexplained.
  • Identifying novel risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of Streptococcus mutans infection, specifically strains expressing collagen-binding protein (CBP), as a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
  • To determine if CBP contributes to the severity of cerebral hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a mouse model of cerebral hemorrhage to assess the impact of different Streptococcus mutans strains (serotype k vs. standard).
  • Investigating bacterial accumulation in damaged brain hemispheres.
  • Evaluating the effect of recombinant CBP administration on hemorrhage severity.
  • Comparing the prevalence of CBP-expressing S. mutans in hemorrhagic stroke patients versus control subjects.

Main Results:

  • Infection with serotype k Streptococcus mutans, but not a standard strain, significantly aggravated cerebral hemorrhage in mice.
  • Serotype k S. mutans preferentially accumulated in injured brain areas, suggesting interaction with damaged blood vessels.
  • The expression of collagen-binding protein (CBP) was identified as a key factor for high virulence.
  • CBP-expressing S. mutans strains were detected at a significantly higher frequency in hemorrhagic stroke patients compared to controls.
  • Administration of recombinant CBP worsened hemorrhage in the mouse model.

Conclusions:

  • Collagen-binding protein (CBP) expressed by Streptococcus mutans is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Serotype k S. mutans strains expressing CBP represent a novel, potentially significant risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
  • These findings suggest a direct link between specific bacterial infections and the exacerbation of cerebral hemorrhages.

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