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Specific and charge interactions mediate collagen recognition by oral lactobacilli
J A McGrady1, W G Butcher, D Beighton
1Department of Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Oral lactobacilli, key cariogenic bacteria, attach to teeth by recognizing collagen. This collagen-binding mechanism may play a role in dental caries development and offers a target for caries control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oral lactobacilli are major cariogenic bacteria.
- Mechanisms of oral lactobacilli attachment to tooth surfaces are largely unknown.
- Dentin's primary component is collagen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if oral lactobacilli recognize and bind collagen.
- To understand the role of collagen recognition in bacterial localization to dentin.
- To explore collagen-mediated attachment as a potential target for caries control.
Main Methods:
- Assessing collagen type I binding by oral Lactobacillus spp. strains.
- Characterizing the binding of 125I-labeled collagen type I to specific Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus strains.
- Evaluating bacterial adherence to collagen-coated surfaces and inhibition by collagen.
Main Results:
- Most oral Lactobacillus spp. strains recognize and bind collagen type I.
- Specific and charge-mediated interactions were involved in collagen binding.
- Collagen-binding strains adhered more effectively to collagen-coated surfaces, with inhibition by collagen.
Conclusions:
- Oral lactobacilli utilize collagen recognition for attachment to dentin.
- This collagen-mediated attachment is implicated in the pathogenesis of root surface and coronal caries.
- Interfering with lactobacilli collagen attachment could be an effective caries control strategy.