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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Streptococcus mutans-derived extracellular matrix in cariogenic oral biofilms

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Author(s):
Klein, Marlise I. [1] ; Hwang, Geelsu [2, 3, 4] ; Santos, Paulo H. S. [5] ; Campanella, Osvaldo H. [5] ; Koo, Hyun [2, 3, 4]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Rochester, Ctr Oral Biol, Rochester, NY - USA
[2] Univ Penn, Sch Dent Med, Levy Ctr Oral Hlth, Dept Orthodont, Biofilm Res Lab, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - USA
[3] Univ Penn, Sch Dent Med, Div Pediat Dent, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - USA
[4] Univ Penn, Sch Dent Med, Div Community Oral Hlth, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - USA
[5] Purdue Univ, Whistler Ctr Carbohydrate Res, W Lafayette, IN 47907 - USA
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY; v. 5, FEB 13 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 65
Abstract

Biofilms are highly structured microbial communities that are enmeshed in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Within the complex oral microbiome, Streptococcus mutans is a major producer of extracellular polymeric substances including exopolysaccharides (EPS), eDNA, and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). EPS produced by S. mutans-derived exoenzymes promote local accumulation of microbes on the teeth, while forming a spatially heterogeneous and diffusion-limiting matrix that protects embedded bacteria. The EPS-rich matrix provides mechanical stability/cohesiveness and facilitates the creation of highly acidic microenvironments, which are critical for the pathogenesis of dental caries. In parallel, S. mutans also releases eDNA and LTA, which can contribute with matrix development. eDNA enhances EPS (glucan) synthesis locally, increasing the adhesion of S. mutans to saliva-coated apatitic surfaces and the assembly of highly cohesive biofilms. eDNA and other extracellular substances, acting in concert with EPS, may impact the functional properties of the matrix and the virulence of cariogenic biofilms. Enhanced understanding about the assembly principles of the matrix may lead to efficacious approaches to control biofilm-related diseases. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/05423-0 - Role of extracellular DNA and lipoteichoic acid in the matrix of cariogenic biofilm
Grantee:Marlise Inêz Klein Furlan
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants