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The polymicrobial pathogenicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Richard J Lamont1, Masae Kuboniwa2
1Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
Frontiers in Oral Health
|May 13, 2024
Summary
The oral microbiome functions as a community where species communicate through various means, influencing virulence. Porphyromonas gingivalis
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- The oral microbiota is a complex, functionally integrated polymicrobial community.
- Interspecies communication significantly drives emergent properties within oral microbial communities.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis, a known periodontal pathogen, exhibits virulence primarily within a polymicrobial context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of interspecies communication in the oral microbiome.
- To understand how Porphyromonas gingivalis interacts with other oral species.
- To explore the role of microbial interactions in periodontal disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies.
- Analysis of microbiome data.
- Investigation of fimbriae-mediated attachment and transcriptional responses.
- Assessment of responses to small molecules and nutritional cues.
Main Results:
- Multivalent fimbriae of P. gingivalis mediate attachment to other oral species, altering transcriptional programs.
- P. gingivalis responds to small molecules and nutritional signals from partner organisms.
- Physiological interdependence creates complex networks resembling an organismal entity.
Conclusions:
- Interspecies communication is crucial for the function and pathogenic potential of oral microbial communities.
- P. gingivalis' virulence is context-dependent, relying on interactions within the polymicrobial community.
- Oral microbial communities exhibit emergent properties and physiological interdependence.
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