[The characterization of Streptococcus mutans MT8148 and its glucosyltransferase deficient mutants]

The characterization of GTase-deficient mutants of S. mutans MT8148 was analysed to understand the possible virulence of GTase. In the presence of 1% sucrose, these mutants lost the ability to adhere to glass wall and the insoluble glucan synthesis was dramatically decreased. The GTase enzyme activity for insoluble glucan synthesis of these mutants was also decreased. Western blot using anti-CAGTase polyclonal antibody and anti-GTFI or anti-GTFSI monoclonal antibody showed the lack of the corresponding GTase which further confirmed the mutation of specific GTase gene.