Contribution of collagen-binding protein Cnm of Streptococcus mutans to induced IgA nephropathy-like nephritis in rats.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the most common primary glomerulonephritis, is considered an intractable disease with unknown pathogenic factors. In our previous study, Streptococcus mutans, the major causative bacteria of dental caries, which expresses Cnm, was related to the induction of IgAN-like nephritis. In the present study, the Cnm-positive S. mutans parental strain, a Cnm-defective isogenic mutant strain, its complementation strain, and recombinant Cnm (rCnm) protein were administered intravenously to Sprague Dawley rats, and the condition of their kidneys was evaluated focusing on the pathogenicity of Cnm. Rats treated with parental and complement bacterial strains and rCnm protein developed IgAN-like nephritis with mesangial proliferation and IgA and C3 mesangial deposition. Scanning immunoelectron microscopy revealed that rCnm was present in the electron-dense deposition area of the mesangial region in the rCnm protein group. These results demonstrated that the Cnm protein itself is an important factor in the induction of IgAN in rats.

Veillonella parvula promotes root caries development through interactions with Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

Root caries is a subtype of dental caries that predominantly impacts older adults. The occurrence and progression of root caries are associated with the homeostasis of dental plaque biofilm, and microbial synergistic and antagonistic interactions in the biofilm play a significant role in maintaining the oral microecological balance. The objective of the current study was to investigate the role of Veillonella parvula in the microbial interactions and the pathogenesis of root caries. The analysis of clinical samples from patients with/without root caries revealed that Veillonella and V. parvula were abundant in the saliva of patients with root caries. More importantly, a significantly increased colonization of V. parvula was observed in root carious lesions. Further in vitro biofilm and animal study showed that V. parvula colonization increased the abundance and virulence of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, leading to the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm with enhanced anti-stress capacity and cariogenicity, consequently exacerbating the severity of carious lesions. Our results indicate the critical role of V. parvula infection in the occurrence of root caries, providing a new insight for the etiological investigation and prevention of root caries.

Intraspecies interactions of Streptococcus mutans impact biofilm architecture and virulence determinants in childhood dental caries.

Early childhood dental caries (ECC) is the most common chronic disease among children, especially among low socioeconomic populations. Streptococcus mutans is most frequently associated with initiation of ECC. Although many studies report children with multiple S. mutans strains (i.e., genotypes) have greater odds of developing ECC, studies investigating intraspecies interactions in dental caries are lacking. This study investigates the impact of intraspecies interactions on cariogenic and fitness traits of clinical S. mutans isolates using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Association analysis evaluated if presence of multiple S. mutans genotypes within the first year of colonization was associated with caries. Initially, clinical S. mutans isolates from 10 children were evaluated. S. mutans strains (G09 and G18, most prevalent) isolated from one child were used for subsequent analysis. Biofilm analysis was performed for single and mixed cultures to assess cariogenic traits, including biofilm biomass, intra-polysaccharide, pH, and glucan. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and time-lapse imaging were used to evaluate spatial and temporal biofilm dynamics, respectively. A Drosophila model was used to assess colonization in vivo. Results showed the mean biofilm pH was significantly lower in co-cultured biofilms versus monoculture. Doubling of S. mutans biofilms was observed by CLSM and in vivo colonization in Drosophila for co-cultured S. mutans. Individual strains occupied specific domains in co-culture and G09 contributed most to increased co-culture biofilm thickness and colonization in Drosophila. Biofilm formation and acid production displayed distinct signatures in time-lapsed experiments. This study illuminates that intraspecies interactions of S. mutans significantly impacts biofilm acidity, architecture, and colonization.IMPORTANCEThis study sheds light on the complex dynamics of a key contributor to early childhood dental caries (ECC) by exploring intraspecies interactions of different S. mutans strains and their impact on cariogenic traits. Utilizing clinical isolates from children with ECC, the research highlights significant differences in biofilm architecture and acid production in mixed versus single genotype cultures. The findings reveal that co-cultured S. mutans strains exhibit increased cell density and acidity, with individual strains occupying distinct domains. These insights, enhanced by use of time-lapsed confocal laser scanning microscopy and a Drosophila model, offer a deeper understanding of ECC pathogenesis and potential avenues for targeted interventions.

Assessment of dental and periodontal indices and Streptococcus mutans virulence in fragile X syndrome patients.

INTRODUCTION: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of hereditary genetic disorder in a single gene characterised by intellectual disability. Behavioural features such as autism, hyperactivity and anxiety disorder may be present. Biofilm development and pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans may be altered because FXS renders the dental approach and oral hygiene more complex. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of S. mutans isolated from FXS patients with the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of standard strain ATCC, using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). METHODS: The caries experience index was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), Periodontal Condition Index (PCI) and Invasive Dental Treatment Need Index (INI). RESULTS: The clinical index findings revealed a high rate of caries cavities and bleeding on probing of FXS patients. When VicRK and CovR transcript levels were compared with the reference strain, Fragile X patients were found to have significantly higher values. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that FXS patients have more adverse clinical conditions, with increased biofilm accumulation and virulence. When combined with behavioural abnormalities, these patients become even more vulnerable to dental caries.

Small RNA SmsR1 modulates acidogenicity and cariogenic virulence by affecting protein acetylation in Streptococcus mutans.

Post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs and post-translational modifications (PTM) such as lysine acetylation play fundamental roles in physiological circuits, offering rapid responses to environmental signals with low energy consumption. Yet, the interplay between these regulatory systems remains underexplored. Here, we unveil the cross-talk between sRNAs and lysine acetylation in Streptococcus mutans, a primary cariogenic pathogen known for its potent acidogenic virulence. Through systematic overexpression of sRNAs in S. mutans, we identified sRNA SmsR1 as a critical player in modulating acidogenicity, a key cariogenic virulence feature in S. mutans. Furthermore, combined with the analysis of predicted target mRNA and transcriptome results, potential target genes were identified and experimentally verified. A direct interaction between SmsR1 and 5'-UTR region of pdhC gene was determined by in vitro binding assays. Importantly, we found that overexpression of SmsR1 reduced the expression of pdhC mRNA and increased the intracellular concentration of acetyl-CoA, resulting in global changes in protein acetylation levels. This was verified by acetyl-proteomics in S. mutans, along with an increase in acetylation level and decreased activity of LDH. Our study unravels a novel regulatory paradigm where sRNA bridges post-transcriptional regulation with post-translational modification, underscoring bacterial adeptness in fine-tuning responses to environmental stress.

Avaliação antimicrobiana de uma resina Bulk Fill Fluida com inserção do xilitol / Antimicrobial evaluation of a Fluid Bulk Fill resin with xylitol insertion

Introdução: As resinas Bulk Fill apresentam uma boa procura pelos profissionais, pois o seu uso diminui o tempo clínico, como também a melhora qualidade das restaurações, porém não possuem atividade antibacteriana, sendo um dos fatores que ainda causam impacto negativo na vida das pessoas. A biomodificação com o xilitol tem o sentido de produzir ação microbiana e com isso aperfeiçoar as suas características clínicas. Objetivo: Avaliar a ação antimicrobiana de uma resina Bulk Fill flow após a inserção do xilitol. Metodologia: A resina Tetric® N-Flow Bulk Fill foi misturada às concentrações de xilitol (0% [Controle], 2,5% e 5% p/p). Amostras cilíndricas (n=5 do grupo controle e n=3 dos demais grupos experimentais) foram confeccionadas em moldes acrílicos de diâmetro de 2mm espessura, fotoativadas por 10s e armazenadas a 37ºC por 24h. Os espécimes foram esterilizados por luz ultravioleta por 20 minutos antes de serem acomodadas em uma placa de 48 poços estéril, sendo adicionado em cada poço 0,5mL de caldo Mueller Hinton. Então, adicionou-se 50µL do inóculo de S. mutans nos poços correspondentes. A placa foi incubada a 37 ± 1 ˚C durante 48 horas. Após o período de incubação, os espécimes foram gentilmente removidos e o crescimento microbiano foi indicado pela adição de 100µL da solução aquosa de resazurina (SigmaAldrich) a 0,01% com a posterior incubação a 37 ± 1 ˚C por duas horas. Micro-organismos viáveis reduzem o corante mudando sua coloração azul para rosa e a CIM foi definida como a menor concentração da substância que inibiu a mudança de coloração da resazurina. Em um poço contendo o grupo controle foi acrescentado clorexidina a 0,12% com o intuito de comparar o resultado gerado dos grupos testes. Resultado: Não houve inibição do crescimento bacteriano nos poços com inóculos que continham S. mutans e corpo de prova de resina acrescida de xilitol. Conclusão: Esse estudo mostrou que o acréscimo de 2,5% e 5% de Xilitol à resina Tetric® N-Flow Bulk Fill não apresentou inibição do crescimento bacteriano (AU).

Introduction: Bulk Fill resins are in good demand among professionals, as their use reduces clinical time and improves the quality of restorations, but they do not have antibacterial activity, which is one of the factors that still hurt people's lives. Biomodification with xylitol aims to improve its clinical characteristics. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial action of a Bulk Fill flow resin after inserting xylitol. Methodology: Tetric® N-Flow Bulk Fill resin was mixed with xylitol concentrations (0% [Control], 2.5% and 5% w/w). Cylindrical samples (n=5 from the control group and n=3 from the other groups) were made in acrylic molds with a diameter of 2 mm thick, light-cured for 10 s and stored at 37ºC for 24h. The specimens were sterilized by ultraviolet light for 20 minutes before being placed in a sterile 48-well plate, with 0.5 mL of Mueller Hinton broth added to each well. The plate was incubated at 37 ± 1 ˚C for 48 hours. After the incubation period, the specimens were gently removed, and microbial growth was indicated by adding 100 µL of 0.01% resazurin aqueous solution with subsequent incubation at 37 ± 1 ˚C for two hours. Viable microorganisms reduce the dye, changing its color from blue to pink. The MIC was defined as the lowest concentration of the substance that inhibited the color change of resazurin. In 0.12%, chlorhexidine was added to a well containing the control group to compare the results generated from the test groups. Result: There was no inhibition of bacterial growth in the wells with inocula containing S. mutans and the resin specimen with xylitol added. Conclusion: This study showed that adding 2.5% and 5% Xylitol to the Tetric® N-Flow Bulk Fill resin did not inhibit bacterial growth (AU).

Evaluation of the collagen-binding properties and virulence of killed Streptococcus mutans in a silkworm model.

Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, is also known as a causative agent of cardiovascular disease. A 120 kDa collagen-binding protein (Cnm) of S. mutans is an important contributor to the pathogenicity of cardiovascular disease. Although dead bacteria have been detected in cardiovascular specimens by molecular biological methods, the pathogenicity of the bacteria remains unknown. Here, we analyzed the pathogenicity of killed S. mutans by focusing on collagen-binding ability and the effects on silkworms. In live S. mutans, Cnm-positive S. mutans had high collagen-binding activity, while Cnm-negative S. mutans had no such activity. After treatment with killed Cnm-positive S. mutans, amoxicillin-treated bacteria still had collagen-binding ability, while lysozyme-treated bacteria lost this ability. When live and amoxicillin-treated S. mutans strains were administered to silkworms, the survival rates of the silkworms were reduced; this reduction was more pronounced in Cnm-positive S. mutans infection than in Cnm-negative S. mutans infection. However, the administration of any of the lysozyme-treated bacteria did not reduce the survival rate of the silkworms. These results suggest that amoxicillin-killed Cnm-positive S. mutans strains maintain collagen-binding properties and pathogenicity in the silkworm model, and are possibly associated with pathogenicity in cardiovascular diseases.

Acetylation of glucosyltransferases regulates Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and virulence.

Lysine acetylation is a frequently occurring post-translational modification (PTM), emerging as an important metabolic regulatory mechanism in prokaryotes. This process is achieved enzymatically by the protein acetyltransferase (KAT) to specifically transfer the acetyl group, or non-enzymatically by direct intermediates (acetyl phosphate or acetyl-CoA). Although lysine acetylation modification of glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), the important virulence factor in Streptococcus mutans, was reported in our previous study, the KAT has not been identified. Here, we believe that the KAT ActG can acetylate Gtfs in the enzymatic mechanism. By overexpressing 15 KATs in S. mutans, the synthesized water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and biofilm biomass were measured, and KAT (actG) was identified. The in-frame deletion mutant of actG was constructed to validate the function of actG. The results showed that actG could negatively regulate the water-insoluble EPS synthesis and biofilm formation. We used mass spectrometry (MS) to identify GtfB and GtfC as the possible substrates of ActG. This was also demonstrated by in vitro acetylation assays, indicating that ActG could increase the acetylation levels of GtfB and GtfC enzymatically and decrease their activities. We further found that the expression level of actG in part explained the virulence differences in clinically isolated strains. Moreover, overexpression of actG in S. mutans attenuated its cariogenicity in the rat caries model. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the KAT ActG could induce the acetylation of GtfB and GtfC enzymatically in S. mutans, providing insights into the function of lysine acetylation in bacterial virulence and pathogenicity.

VicRK and CovR polymorphisms in Streptococcus mutans strains associated with cardiovascular infections.

Introduction. Streptococcus mutans, a common species of the oral microbiome, expresses virulence genes promoting cariogenic dental biofilms, persistence in the bloodstream and cardiovascular infections.Gap statement. Virulence gene expression is variable among S. mutans strains and controlled by the transcription regulatory systems VicRK and CovR.Aim. This study investigates polymorphisms in the vicRK and covR loci in S. mutans strains isolated from the oral cavity or from the bloodstream, which were shown to differ in expression of covR, vicRK and downstream genes.Methodology. The transcriptional activities of covR, vicR and vicK were compared by RT-qPCR between blood and oral strains after exposure to human serum. PCR-amplified promoter and/or coding regions of covR and vicRK of 18 strains (11 oral and 7 blood) were sequenced and compared to the reference strain UA159.Results. Serum exposure significantly reduced covR and vicR/K transcript levels in most strains (P<0.05), but reductions were higher in oral than in blood strains. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in covR regulatory and coding regions, but SNPs affecting the CovR effector domain were only present in two blood strains. Although vicR was highly conserved, vicK showed several SNPs, and SNPs affecting VicK regions important for autokinase activity were found in three blood strains.Conclusions. This study reveals transcriptional and structural diversity in covR and vicR/K, and identifies polymorphisms of functional relevance in blood strains, indicating that covR and vicRK might be important loci for S. mutans adaptation to host selective pressures associated with virulence diversity.

Effects of cigarette smoking on the growth of Streptococcus mutans biofilms: An in vitro study.

The increased incidence of dental caries by cigarette smoking (CS) has been widely reported in epidemiological studies, but the relationship between CS and cariogenic biofilm growth has been rarely studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of CS exposure on the growth and virulence of Streptococcus mutans biofilms (S. mutans). Briefly, S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks, which were exposed to CS 1, 3, and 6 times per day, respectively. In addition, S. mutans biofilms without CS exposure were considered as the control group. Acidogenicity, dry weight, colony-forming units (CFUs), water-soluble/insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), and intracellular polysaccharides (IPSs) were analyzed and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms were obtained. The lowest accumulation of biofilms and EPSs were detected in the 6 times/day CS exposure group compared with those of the control group and other CS exposure groups in 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms. CLSM also revealed the lowest bacterial count (live and dead cells) and EPSs biovolume in the six times/day CS exposure group in 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms. CS exposure inhibited the growth of S. mutans biofilm in vitro study, the anti-cariogenic biofilm formation was enhanced with a dose (frequency)-dependent at which frequency has more influence in the present findings.

Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilms with bacterial-derived outer membrane vesicles.

BACKGROUND: Biofilms are microbial communities surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix which protects them from environmental stress. Bacteria within biofilms are 10- to 1000-fold more resistant to antibiotics, making it challenging but imperative to develop new therapeutics that can disperse biofilms and eradicate infection. Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMV) that play critical roles in communication, genetic exchange, cargo delivery, and pathogenesis. We have previously shown that OMVs derived from Burkholderia thailandensis inhibit the growth of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. RESULTS: Here, we examine the antibiofilm activity of Burkholderia thailandensis OMVs against the oral biofilm-forming pathogen Streptococcus mutans. We demonstrate that OMV treatment reduces biofilm biomass, biofilm integrity, and bacterial cell viability. Both heat-labile and heat-stable components, including 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-(2-non-enyl)-quinoline and long-chain rhamnolipid, contribute to the antibiofilm activity of OMVs. When OMVs are co-administered with gentamicin, the efficacy of the antibiotic against S. mutans biofilms is enhanced. CONCLUSION: These studies indicate that bacterial-derived OMVs are highly effective biological nanoparticles that can inhibit and potentially eradicate biofilms.

Association of Candida albicans and Cbp+ Streptococcus mutans with early childhood caries recurrence.

Early childhood caries (ECC) recurrence occurs in approximately 40% of treated cases within one year. The association of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans with the onset of ECC is well known. Also, S. mutans strains harboring collagen-binding proteins (Cbps) avidly bind to collagen-rich dentin and are linked to increased caries risk. Here, we investigated the presence of Cbp+ S. mutans and C. albicans in saliva and dental plaque of children with varying caries statuses, and their salivary microbiome. In this cross-sectional study, 143 children who were caries-free (n = 73), treated for ECC with no signs of recurrence after 6 months (n = 45), or treated for ECC and experiencing recurrence within 6 months following treatment (n = 25) were enrolled. Co-infection with C. albicans and S. mutans, especially Cbp+ S. mutans, was strongly associated with caries recurrence. Subjects of the recurrence group infected with Cbp+ S. mutans showed a greater burden of Candida spp. and of Mutans streptococci in dentin than those infected with Cbp- strains. Salivary microbiome analysis revealed that Streptococcus parasanguinis was overrepresented in the caries recurrence group. Our findings indicate that Cbp+ S. mutans and C. albicans are intimately associated with caries recurrence, contributing to the establishment of recalcitrant biofilms.

Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by strategies targeting the metabolism of exopolysaccharides.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent and costly biofilm-associated infectious diseases affecting most of the world's population. In particular, dental caries is driven by dysbiosis of the dental biofilm adherent to the enamel surface. Specific types of acid-producing bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, colonize the dental surface and cause damage to the hard tooth structure in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates. Streptococcus mutans has been established as the major cariogenic pathogen responsible for human dental caries, with a high ability to form biofilms. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix, mainly contributed by S. mutans, has been considered as a virulence determinant of cariogenic biofilm. As EPS is an important virulence factor, targeting EPS metabolism could be useful in preventing cariogenic biofilm formation. This review summarizes plausible strategies targeting S. mutans biofilms by degrading EPS structure, inhibiting EPS production, and disturbing the EPS metabolism-related gene expression and regulatory systems.

Mucin O-glycans suppress quorum-sensing pathways and genetic transformation in Streptococcus mutans.

Mucus barriers accommodate trillions of microorganisms throughout the human body while preventing pathogenic colonization1. In the oral cavity, saliva containing the mucins MUC5B and MUC7 forms a pellicle that coats the soft tissue and teeth to prevent infection by oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans2. Salivary mucin can interact directly with microorganisms through selective agglutinin activity and bacterial binding2-4, but the extent and basis of the protective functions of saliva are not well understood. Here, using an ex vivo saliva model, we identify that MUC5B is an inhibitor of microbial virulence. Specifically, we find that natively purified MUC5B downregulates the expression of quorum-sensing pathways activated by the competence stimulating peptide and the sigX-inducing peptide5. Furthermore, MUC5B prevents the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance through natural genetic transformation, a process that is activated through quorum sensing. Our data reveal that the effect of MUC5B is mediated by its associated O-linked glycans, which are potent suppressors of quorum sensing and genetic transformation, even when removed from the mucin backbone. Together, these results present mucin O-glycans as a host strategy for domesticating potentially pathogenic microorganisms without killing them.

Mutanofactin promotes adhesion and biofilm formation of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans.

Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans is known as a predominant etiological agent of dental caries due to its exceptional capacity to form biofilms. From strains of S. mutans isolated from dental plaque, we discovered, in the present study, a polyketide/nonribosomal peptide biosynthetic gene cluster, muf, which directly correlates with a strong biofilm-forming capability. We then identified the muf-associated bioactive product, mutanofactin-697, which contains a new molecular scaffold, along with its biosynthetic logic. Further mode-of-action studies revealed that mutanofactin-697 binds to S. mutans cells and also extracellular DNA, increases bacterial hydrophobicity, and promotes bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation. Our findings provided an example of a microbial secondary metabolite promoting biofilm formation via a physicochemical approach, highlighting the importance of secondary metabolism in mediating critical processes related to the development of dental caries.

Protein Interactomes of Streptococcus mutans YidC1 and YidC2 Membrane Protein Insertases Suggest SRP Pathway-Independent- and -Dependent Functions, Respectively.

Virulence properties of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans depend on integral membrane proteins. Bacterial cotranslational protein trafficking involves the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway components Ffh and FtsY, the SecYEG translocon, and YidC chaperone/insertases. Unlike Escherichia coli, S. mutans survives loss of the SRP pathway and has two yidC paralogs. This study characterized YidC1 and YidC2 interactomes to clarify respective functions alone and in concert with the SRP and/or Sec translocon. Western blots of formaldehyde cross-linked or untreated S. mutans lysates were reacted with anti-Ffh, anti-FtsY, anti-YidC1, or anti-YidC2 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of gel-shifted bands. Cross-linked lysates of wild-type and ΔyidC2 strains were reacted with anti-YidC2-coupled Dynabeads, and cocaptured proteins were identified by MS. Last, YidC1 and YidC2 C-terminal tail-captured proteins were subjected to two-dimensional (2D) difference gel electrophoresis and MS analysis. Direct interactions of putative YidC1 and YidC2 binding partners were confirmed by bacterial two-hybrid assay. Our results suggest YidC2 works preferentially with the SRP pathway, while YidC1 is preferred for SRP-independent Sec translocon-mediated translocation. YidC1 and YidC2 autonomous pathways were also apparent. Two-hybrid assay identified interactions between holotranslocon components SecYEG/YajC and YidC1. Both YidC1 and YidC2 interacted with Ffh, FtsY, and chaperones DnaK and RopA. Putative membrane-localized substrates HlyX, LemA, and SMU_591c interacted with both YidC1 and YidC2. Identification of several Rgp proteins in the YidC1 interactome suggested its involvement in bacitracin resistance, which was decreased in ΔyidC1 and SRP-deficient mutants. Collectively, YidC1 and YidC2 interactome analyses has further distinguished these paralogs in the Gram-positive bacterium S. mutansIMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutans is a prevalent oral pathogen and major causative agent of tooth decay. Many proteins that enable this bacterium to thrive in its environmental niche and cause disease are embedded in its cytoplasmic membrane. The machinery that transports proteins into bacterial membranes differs between Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, an important difference being the presence of multiple YidC paralogs in Gram-positive bacteria. Characterization of a protein's interactome can help define its physiological role. Herein, we characterized the interactomes of S. mutans YidC1 and YidC2. Results demonstrated substantial overlap between their interactomes but also revealed several differences in their direct protein binding partners. Membrane transport machinery components were identified in the context of a large network of proteins involved in replication, transcription, translation, and cell division/cell shape. This information contributes to our understanding of protein transport in Gram-positive bacteria in general and informs our understanding of S. mutans pathogenesis.

Caracterización Química y Actividad Antibacteriana in vitro de un Extracto Etanólico de Propóleo Peruano Frente a Streptococcus mutans / Chemical characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity of a Peruvian propolis ethanolic extract against Streptococcus mutans

El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar químicamente un extracto etanólico de propóleo peruano y evaluar su actividad antibacteriana frente a Streptococcus mutans. (S. mutans). Se obtuvo el extracto etanólico de propóleo (EEP) por maceración en alcohol al 70 % durante 15 días, el EEP fue sometido a cromatografía en capa fina para identificar sus componentes químicos. El EEP fue diluido con agua destilada para obtener concentraciones de 75 %, 50 % y 25 %. La actividad antibacteriana se realizó mediante la prueba de difusión en disco sobre medio Brain Heart infusion agar(BHA) inoculado con S. mutans ATCC® 25175™, se empleó clorhexidina (CHX) al 0,12 % como control positivo. Las placas fueron incubadas por 48 horas a 37ºC en condiciones de microaerofilia. Posteriormente se realizó la medición de los halos de inhibición con un compás Vernier. Los resultados mostraro n que el EEP presenta como principales componentes terpenos, diterpenos y terpenoidales. Todas las concentraciones del EEP presentaron actividad antibacteriana frente al S. mutans (25 %= 17,582 ± 2,578 mm; 50 % = 16,906 ± 1,892 mm; 75 % = 16,881 ± 2,013 mm; 100 % = 17,201 ± 1,305 mm); sin embargo, fueron menores al compararlos con CHX al 0,12 % (24,543 ± 2,486 mm) (p<0,05). Según la escala de Duraffourd, S. mutans fue sensible (+) y muy sensible (++) para todas las concentraciones del EEP, mientras que para CHX al 0,12 % fue sumamente sensible (+++) (p<0,05). Como conclusión, las diversas concentraciones de EEP peruano presentan actividad antibacteriana significativa considerada como sensible y muy sensible frente a S. mutans.

The objective of the study was to chemically characterize an ethanolic extract of Peruvian propolis and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. (S. mutans). The ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was obtained by maceration in 70 % alcohol for 15 days, the EEP was subjected to thin layer chromatography to identify its chemical components. The EEP was diluted with distilled water to obtain concentrations of 75%, 50 % and 25 %. The antibacterial activity was performed by the disk diffusion test on Brain Heart infusion agar (BHA) medium inoculated with S. mutans ATCC® 25175 ™, 0.12 % chlorhexidine (CHX) was used as a positive control. Plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C under microaerophilic conditions. Subsequently, the inhibition halos were measured with a Vernier compass. The results showed that the EEP presents as main components terpenes, di-terpenes and terpenoidals. All concentrations of the EEP showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans (25 % = 17,582 ± 2,578 mm; 50 % = 16,906 ± 1,892 mm; 75 % = 16,881 ± 2,013 mm; 100 % = 17,201 ± 1,305 mm); however, they were lower when compared with 0.12 % CHX (24,543 ± 2,486 mm) (p <0.05). According to the Duraffourd´ scale, S. mutans was sensitive (+) and very sensitive (++) for all EEP concentrations, while for 0.12 % CHX it was highly sensitive (+++) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, all concentrations of Peruvian EEP have significant antibacterial activity considered as sensitive and very sensitive against S. mutans.

Combinatorial therapy of chitosan hydrogel-based zinc oxide nanocomposite attenuates the virulence of Streptococcus mutans.

BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation is an important causative factor in the expansion of the carious lesions in the enamel. Hence, new approaches to efficient antibacterial agents are highly demanded. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial-biofilm activity of chitosan hydrogel (CS gel), zinc oxide/ zeolite nanocomposite (ZnONC) either separately or combined together [ZnONC / CS gel (ZnONC-CS)] against Streptococcus mutans biofilm. RESULTS: MTT assay demonstrated that the ZnONC-CS exhibits a non-cytotoxic effect (> 90% cell viability) toward human gingival fibroblast cells at different dosages (78.1-625 µg/mL) within 72 h. In comparison with CS gel and ZnONC, ZnONC-CS was superior at biofilm formation and metabolic activity reduction by 33 and 45%, respectively; (P < 0.05). The field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the biofilms grown on the enamel slabs were largely in concordance with the quantitative biofilm assay results. Consistent with the reducing effect of ZnONC-CS on biofilm formation, the expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, and ftf significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, excellent compatibility coupled with an enhanced antimicrobial effect against S. mutans biofilm has equipped ZnONC-CS as a promising candidate for dental biofilm control.

Molecular mechanisms controlling fructose-specific memory and catabolite repression in lactose metabolism by Streptococcus mutans.

Lactose is an abundant dietary carbohydrate metabolized by the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Lactose metabolism presents both classic diauxic behaviors and long-term memory, where the bacteria can pause for >11 h before initiating growth on lactose. Here, we explored mechanisms contributing to unusual aspects of regulation of the lac operon. The fructose-phosphate metabolites, F-1-P and F-6-P, could modulate the DNA-binding activities of the lactose repressor. Recombinant LacR proteins bound upstream of lacA and Gal-6-P induced the formation of different LacR-DNA complexes. Deletion of lacR resulted in strain-specific growth phenotypes on lactose, but also on a number of mono- and di-saccharides that involve the glucose-PTS or glucokinase in their catabolism. The phenotypes were consistent with the novel findings that loss of LacR altered glucose-PTS activity and expression of the gene for glucokinase. CcpA was also shown to affect lactose metabolism in vivo and to bind to the lacA promoter region in vitro. Collectively, our study reveals complex molecular circuits controlling lactose metabolism in S. mutans, where LacR and CcpA integrate cellular and environmental cues to regulate metabolism of a variety of carbohydrates that are critical to persistence and pathogenicity of S. mutans.

Probiotic Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 to Inhibit Streptococcus mutans in a Gellan-Based Formulation.

Streptococcus mutans is considered to be a major bacterium involved in dental caries, and the control of virulence mechanisms is fundamental to prevent disease. Probiotics present a promising preventive method; however, the use of probiotics requires its incorporation into delivery materials to facilitate oral colonization. Thus, we performed a comprehensive study examining preventive effects of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4-enriched gellan hydrogel materials to inhibit S. mutans in planktonic and biofilm states, addressing its influence in the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and altered gene expression of several cariogenic virulence factors. L. paracasei 28.4, a strain isolated from the oral cavity of a caries-free individual, was incorporated in three gellan hydrogels (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% w/v). The pretreatment with probiotic-gellan formulations provided a release of L. paracasei cells over 24 h that was sufficient to inhibit the planktonic growth of S. mutans, independent of the gellan concentrations and pH variations. This pretreatment also had inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilms, exhibiting a reduction of 0.57 to 1.54 log10 in CFU/mL (p < 0.0001) and a decrease of 68.8 to 71.3% in total biomass (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group. These inhibitory effects were associated with the decreased production of EPS by 80% (p < 0.0001) and the downregulation of luxS, brpA, gbpB, and gtfB genes. The gellan formulation containing L. paracasei 28.4 exhibited probiotic effects for preventing S. mutans growth, biofilm formation, and production of cariogenic factors to suggest possible use in tooth decay prevention.