Dietary Carbohydrates Modulate Streptococcus mutans Adherence and Bacterial Proteome
Lina M Marin1, Yizhi Xiao2, Jin Seo3
1College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, lina.marin@usask.ca.
Caries Research
|October 30, 2024
Summary
Xylitol can reduce Streptococcus mutans
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Oral Health
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen in dental caries.
- Carbohydrate sources influence S. mutans biofilm formation.
- The impact of carbohydrates on the bacterial proteome is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different carbohydrates on S. mutans viability.
- To analyze the changes in the S. mutans proteome in response to carbohydrate sources.
- To evaluate these effects at early attachment (8 hours) and biofilm maturation (24 hours) stages.
Main Methods:
- Hydroxyapatite discs were used to model tooth surfaces.
- S. mutans was cultured with sucrose, xylitol, or a combination.
- Bacterial adherence, viability, and proteome were analyzed using mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Xylitol alone significantly reduced S. mutans adherence and metabolism.
- Combining xylitol with sucrose negated the inhibitory effects of xylitol.
- Carbohydrate source significantly modulated the bacterial proteome.
Conclusions:
- Xylitol shows potential for reducing the cariogenicity of S. mutans biofilms.
- The beneficial effects of xylitol may be diminished when combined with fermentable sugars.
- Understanding proteomic changes is crucial for developing targeted anti-caries strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Biofilms
1
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
1
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
3
Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that enables coordinated gene expression in response to changes in population density. This facilitates collective behaviors that enhance survival, resource acquisition, and ecological adaptation. This process relies on small signaling molecules called autoinducers that accumulate as bacterial populations grow. When a critical threshold concentration of autoinducers is reached, bacterial cells collectively modify gene expression,...
3
01:19Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
762
Carbohydrate metabolism is a fundamental biochemical process that ensures a constant supply of energy to living cells. The most important carbohydrate is glucose, which can be broken down via glycolysis to enter into the Krebs cycle and eventually lead to the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
762
01:25Protein Glycosylation
6.8K
Glycosylation, the most common post-translational modification for proteins, serves diverse functions. Adding sugars to proteins makes the proteins more resistant to proteolytic digestion. Glycosylated proteins can act as markers and receptors to promote cell-cell adhesion. Additionally, they have many essential quality control functions in the cell, such as correct protein folding and facilitating transport of misfolded proteins to the cytosol, which can be degraded.
Glycosylation occurs in...
Glycosylation occurs in...
6.8K
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
10.8K
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
10.8K
01:30Membrane Carbohydrates
5.3K
The plasma membrane is a dynamic barrier composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is the epicenter of many cellular processes required for cell growth and survival. Carbohydrates have unique structural and chemical properties that help the plasma membrane to carry out its functions effectively.
Membrane carbohydrates do not have any hydrophobic region and are exclusively located on the cell's outer surface. The addition of sugar molecules or glycosylation of proteins happens in...
Membrane carbohydrates do not have any hydrophobic region and are exclusively located on the cell's outer surface. The addition of sugar molecules or glycosylation of proteins happens in...
5.3K