Proteomics of Streptococcus gordonii within a model developing oral microbial community

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Streptococcus gordonii initiates oral biofilm formation, a precursor to dental plaque.
• Dental plaque harbors periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Previous research investigated P. gingivalis in a model plaque community; this study focuses on S. gordonii adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the proteomic adaptation of Streptococcus gordonii in a multispecies oral biofilm model.
• To understand species-specific responses of S. gordonii when interacting with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative proteomics was used to analyze S. gordonii protein expression.
• S. gordonii was cultured in monoculture and in multispecies communities with F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis.
• Bioinformatic tools, including DAVID, were used for ontology analysis.

Main Results:

• S. gordonii proteome significantly changed in multispecies communities, with species-specific alterations.
• Key changes included increased energy metabolism and exopolysaccharide synthesis, and decreased adhesion proteins.
• Metabolic byproduct profiles shifted, with altered production of acetate, ethanol, and lactate depending on the interacting species.

Conclusions:

• Streptococcus gordonii exhibits distinct proteomic adaptations in response to F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis.
• Nutrient transfer and altered energy metabolism are crucial aspects of S. gordonii's community interactions within dental plaque.