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Effects of certain salts on glucosyltransferase synthesis by Streptococcus mutans strain PS-14
Abstract:
We investigated the effects of various salts on the synthesis of extracellular glucosyltransferase in a partially defined medium (M4) by Streptococcus mutans strain PS-14 and by certain other selected strains. The levels of glucosyltransferase produced by S. mutans strain PS-14 were found to increase to a maximum of seven-fold with increasing (NH4)2SO4 concentrations. However, at a 2% concentration of the salt, the level was stimulated 2.5-fold, and the growth was inhibited by 75%. A 1% concentration of MgSO4 or NaCl also caused an increase of glucosyltransferase of six-fold or 2.4-fold, respectively. However, for S. mutans strain B-13N, the enzyme production was not stimulated by (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4, or NaCl. Moreover, the enzyme production by serotypes c, e, and f was found to be stimulated by 1% (NH4)2SO4, whereas the enzyme production by serotypes d and g was not affected.
Insights
Certain salts significantly influence glucosyltransferase synthesis in Streptococcus mutans. Ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride can enhance enzyme production in specific strains, impacting bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular glucosyltransferase (GTF) is crucial for Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation.
- Understanding factors influencing GTF synthesis is key to developing strategies against dental caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various salts on extracellular glucosyltransferase synthesis by Streptococcus mutans.
- To determine strain-specific and serotype-specific responses to salt supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Streptococcus mutans strains (PS-14, B-13N, and others) in a partially defined medium (M4).
- Supplementing the medium with different concentrations of ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and sodium chloride (NaCl).
- Quantifying extracellular glucosyltransferase levels and monitoring bacterial growth.
Main Results:
- Ammonium sulfate significantly increased glucosyltransferase production in S. mutans PS-14, up to seven-fold with increasing concentrations.
- A 2% ammonium sulfate concentration stimulated enzyme levels 2.5-fold but inhibited growth by 75% in strain PS-14.
- Magnesium sulfate (1%) and sodium chloride (1%) also boosted glucosyltransferase in strain PS-14 (six-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively).
- Strain B-13N and serotypes d and g showed no significant enzyme stimulation with these salts.
- Serotypes c, e, and f demonstrated enhanced enzyme production with 1% ammonium sulfate.
Conclusions:
- Salt supplementation, particularly ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride, can differentially modulate extracellular glucosyltransferase synthesis in Streptococcus mutans.
- The effect of salts on enzyme production is strain-specific and serotype-specific.
- Optimizing salt concentrations is critical, as high levels can inhibit bacterial growth despite stimulating enzyme synthesis.