Multiplex Imaging of Polymicrobial Communities-Murine Models to Study Oral Microbiome Interactions

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• The oral cavity harbors diverse microbial communities in polymicrobial biofilms.
• The balance (symbiosis) or imbalance (dysbiosis) of these communities dictates oral health outcomes.
• Studying these complex polymicrobial interactions in vivo has been challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biophotonic imaging platform for studying polymicrobial oral biofilms in rodent models.
• To enable noninvasive, in situ analysis of microbial ecology and gene expression.
• To facilitate research into the mechanisms of oral symbiosis and dysbiosis.

Main Methods:

• Development of a suite of synthetic luciferases for multiplexed reporter gene assays.
• Establishment of a biophotonic imaging platform for in vivo signal detection.
• Application of protocols tailored for oral streptococci, adaptable to other species.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated feasibility of noninvasively measuring multiple luciferase signals in vivo.
• Achieved both spatial and temporal resolution for analyzing microbial communities.
• Provided a platform for studying experimental polymicrobial oral biofilms and abscesses in mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed biophotonic imaging platform offers a powerful tool for in vivo studies of oral polymicrobial communities.
• This technology facilitates a deeper understanding of microbial ecology in oral health and disease.
• The adaptable strategies support broad applications in polymicrobial infection research.