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Genetic analysis of adherence by oral streptococci
1Department of Oral Biology and Oral Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Journal of Industrial Microbiology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Streptococci use surface adhesins to colonize the human body and form oral biofilms. Key factors for streptococcal adherence and biofilm accumulation include wall-associated polypeptides and extracellular glucan synthesis enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
- Bacterial Adhesion
Background:
- Streptococci are successful human body colonizers and key components of oral biofilms.
- Bacterial cell-surface adhesins mediate adherence to various substrates like proteins, epithelial cells, and other bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying streptococcal adherence and biofilm formation.
- To identify specific bacterial surface components crucial for oral streptococci colonization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of adherence-defective streptococcal mutants.
- Generation and analysis of isogenic mutants using insertional inactivation or allelic exchange.
Main Results:
- High molecular mass wall-associated polypeptides are critical for streptococcal adherence and biofilm accumulation.
- Enzymes catalyzing extracellular glucan polysaccharide synthesis play a vital role in adherence.
- Specific surface polypeptides are essential for both adhesive processes and proper cell wall assembly.
Conclusions:
- Surface-associated polypeptides and extracellular glucan synthesis are essential for oral streptococci adherence and biofilm formation.
- Genetic analysis confirms the critical roles of specific surface proteins in streptococcal colonization and cell wall structure.