Metatranscriptomic analyses of the oral microbiome

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology and host-microbiome interactions.
• Gene expression and metabolic pathways in oral biofilms.

Background:

• While oral microbiome composition is known, gene regulation within these communities is largely uncharacterized.
• Oral biofilms are implicated in periodontal disease and caries, necessitating study of microbial gene expression.
• Understanding functional shifts in oral microbial communities is crucial for distinguishing health from disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and characterize changes in oral microbial gene expression profiles.
• To identify functional activities and environmental signals that trigger the transition from commensal to dysbiotic states.
• To provide a foundation for understanding the dynamics of oral microbial communities during dysbiosis.

Main Methods:

• Metatranscriptomic analysis of oral microbial communities.
• Examination of gene expression patterns within the subgingival microbiota in the context of oral diseases.
• Integration of host gene expression data with microbiome patterns.

Main Results:

• Identified potential new sugar metabolism pathways in *Streptococcus mutans* relevant to caries.
• Highlighted high extracellular potassium levels as a potential signal for periodontal disease.
• Demonstrated the intertwined functions of microbial species within the subgingival microbiota.

Conclusions:

• Metatranscriptomics offers insights into microbial community shifts and disease triggers.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify early markers for caries and periodontal disease.
• Combined host and microbiome gene expression data will enhance understanding of oral health and disease modulation.