Trajectory and trends in molecular regulation of Streptococcus mutans cariogenic virulence: a bibliometric analysis

Dental caries is a globally chronic disease, with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) identified as a principal cariogenic pathogen due to its multifaceted virulence attributes. Understanding the molecular regulation of S. mutans cariogenic virulence is critical for advancing targeted prevention and therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study is to map the research trajectory and future trends in molecular regulation of S. mutans cariogenic virulence.

This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analysis of 470 publications from 1994 to 2024 using Web of Science Core Collection data. Advanced analytical platforms, including CiteSpace, VOSviewer and R, were employed to visualize the field's development trajectories and identify hotspots.

The results reveal an evolving focus from basic gene-level and metabolic studies to complex regulatory networks involving quorum sensing, two-component systems and environmental adaptation. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms, notably lysine acetylation, malonylation, and glutathionylation, which orchestrate virulence factor expression, stress responses, and biofilm dynamics.

This work provides the first systematic overview of the development, hotspots, and emerging trends in molecular regulation of S. mutans cariogenic virulence research, offering a theoretical foundation for future investigations and novel anti-caries strategies.