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Gomes BPFA, Berber VB, Chiarelli-Neto VM, Aveiro E, Chapola RC, Passini MRZ, Lopes EM, Chen T, Paster BJ. Microbiota present in combined endodontic-periodontal diseases and its risks for endocarditis. Clin Oral Investig 2023; 27:4757-4771. [PMID: 37401984 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infective endocarditis (IE) is an inflammatory disease usually caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and establish infections in the inner linings or valves of the heart, including blood vessels. Despite the availability of modern antimicrobial and surgical treatments, IE continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Oral microbiota is considered one of the most significant risk factors for IE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiota present in root canal (RC) and periodontal pocket (PP) clinical samples in cases with combined endo-periodontal lesions (EPL) to detect species related to IE using NGS. METHODS Microbial samples were collected from 15 RCs and their associated PPs, also from 05 RCs with vital pulp tissues (negative control, NC). Genomic studies associated with bioinformatics, combined with structuring of a database (genetic sequences of bacteria reported for infective endocarditis), allowed for the assessment of the microbial community at both sites. Functional prediction was conducted using PICRUSt2. RESULTS Parvimonas, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus were the major genera detected in the RCs and PPs. A total of 79, 96, and 11 species were identified in the RCs, PPs, and NCs, respectively. From them, a total of 34 species from RCs, 53 from PPs, and 2 from NCs were related to IE. Functional inference demonstrated that CR and PP microbiological profiles may not be the only risk factors for IE but may also be associated with systemic diseases, including myocarditis, human cytomegalovirus infection, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, it was possible to predict antimicrobial resistance variants for broad-spectrum drugs, including ampicillin, tetracycline, and macrolides. CONCLUSION Microorganisms present in the combined EPL may not be the only risk factor for IE but also for systemic diseases. Antimicrobial resistance variants for broad-spectrum drugs were inferred based on PICRUSt-2. State-of-the-art sequencing combined with bioinformatics has proven to be a powerful tool for conducting studies on microbial communities and could considerably assist in the diagnosis of serious infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Few studies have investigated the microbiota in teeth compromised by combined endo-periodontal lesions (EPL), but none have correlated the microbiological findings to any systemic condition, particularly IE, using NGS techniques. In such cases, the presence of apical periodontitis and periodontal disease can increase IE risk in susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda P F A Gomes
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa B Berber
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Vito M Chiarelli-Neto
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Emelly Aveiro
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Rafaela C Chapola
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Maicon R Z Passini
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Erica M Lopes
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av. Limeira 901, Bairro Areao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Tsute Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bruce J Paster
- Microbiology Department, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Andresen S, de Mojana di Cologna N, Archer-Hartmann S, Rogers AM, Samaddar S, Ganguly T, Black IM, Glushka J, Ng KKS, Azadi P, Lemos JA, Abranches J, Szymanski CM. Involvement of the Streptococcus mutans PgfE and GalE 4-epimerases in protein glycosylation, carbon metabolism, and cell division. Glycobiology 2023; 33:245-259. [PMID: 36637425 PMCID: PMC10114643 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen associated with dental caries and is often implicated in infective endocarditis. This organism forms robust biofilms on tooth surfaces and can use collagen-binding proteins (CBPs) to efficiently colonize collagenous substrates, including dentin and heart valves. One of the best characterized CBPs of S. mutans is Cnm, which contributes to adhesion and invasion of oral epithelial and heart endothelial cells. These virulence properties were subsequently linked to post-translational modification (PTM) of the Cnm threonine-rich repeat region by the Pgf glycosylation machinery, which consists of 4 enzymes: PgfS, PgfM1, PgfE, and PgfM2. Inactivation of the S. mutans pgf genes leads to decreased collagen binding, reduced invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells, and attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella invertebrate model. The present study aimed to better understand Cnm glycosylation and characterize the predicted 4-epimerase, PgfE. Using a truncated Cnm variant containing only 2 threonine-rich repeats, mass spectrometric analysis revealed extensive glycosylation with HexNAc2. Compositional analysis, complemented with lectin blotting, identified the HexNAc2 moieties as GlcNAc and GalNAc. Comparison of PgfE with the other S. mutans 4-epimerase GalE through structural modeling, nuclear magnetic resonance, and capillary electrophoresis demonstrated that GalE is a UDP-Glc-4-epimerase, while PgfE is a GlcNAc-4-epimerase. While PgfE exclusively participates in protein O-glycosylation, we found that GalE affects galactose metabolism and cell division. This study further emphasizes the importance of O-linked protein glycosylation and carbohydrate metabolism in S. mutans and identifies the PTM modifications of the key CBP, Cnm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Andresen
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | | | - Ashley M Rogers
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sandip Samaddar
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Tridib Ganguly
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Ian M Black
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - John Glushka
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kenneth K S Ng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - José A Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Christine M Szymanski
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Chismirina S, Sungkar S, Adlim M, Darmawi D. Streptococcus Mutans Serotype Analysis from Dental Plaque of Caries Patients in Banda Aceh Based on the GTF Gene. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:205-210. [PMID: 37724156 PMCID: PMC10505461 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.12.1.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Dental caries is an oral disease that is widely suffered by the population of Aceh caused by Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans serotypes c and d are widely isolated in the human oral cavity. This research was focused on detecting the presence and variability of S. mutans in supragingival dental plaque of caries teenager and young adults' patients. Methods Subjects involved in this study were patients who treated at the Rumah Sakit Gigi dan Mulut of Dentistry Faculty of Universitas Syiah Kuala. The approach used in this research was molecular microbiology technique. To determine the presence of S. mutans, supragingival plaque from caries patients was cultivated in TYS20B. The culture findings were utilized to detect the presence of bacteria using PCR. The primers utilized in the PCR were S. mutans specific primers, GTFB (517 bp) for S. mutans serotype c and GTFI (712 bp) for S. mutans serotype d. Results Culture results on TYS20B media showed the growth of S. mutans colonies isolated from the supragingival plaque of research subjects. PCR results also revealed the presence of S. mutans in the supragingival plaques of caries patients, with the variability of S. mutans discovered to be a serotype c and a serotype d. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that S. mutans can be found in the supragingival plaques of caries patients with the serotypes c and d variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Chismirina
- Graduate School of Department of Mathematics and Science Application, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia.
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
| | - Suzanna Sungkar
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
| | - Muhammad Adlim
- Department of Chemistry, FKIP, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
| | - Darmawi Darmawi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
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Lahlou W, Bourial A, Maaouni T, Bensaad A, Bensahi I, Sabry M, Miguil M. Lactococcus lactis endocarditis and liver abscess in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:115. [PMID: 36997999 PMCID: PMC10064683 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, several cases of infections caused by Lactococcus lactis have been reported. This Gram-positive coccus is considered non-pathogenic for humans. However, in some rare cases, it can cause serious infections such as endocarditis, peritonitis, and intra-abdominal infections. CASE PRESENTATION A 56-year-old Moroccan patient was admitted to the hospital because of diffuse abdominal pain and fever. The patient had no past medical history. Five days before his admission, he developed abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant along with chills and feverish sensations. Investigations showed a liver abscess, which was drained, and the microbiological study of the pus revealed Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. Three days after admission, control computed tomography objectified splenic infarctions. Cardiac explorations were performed and showed a floating vegetation on the ventricle side of the aortic valve. We retained the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis according to the modified Duke criteria. The patient was declared afebrile on day 5 and the evolution was clinically and biologically favorable. Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, formerly known as Streptococcus cremoris, is a rare cause of human infections. The first case of Lactococcus lactis cremoris endocarditis was reported in 1955. This organism includes three subspecies: lactis, cremoris, and hordniae. A MEDLINE and Scopus search showed only 13 cases of infectious endocarditis due to Lactococcus lactis, with subsp. cremoris identified in four of the cases. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first case report of the co-occurrence of Lactococcus lactis endocarditis and liver abscess. Despite its reported low virulence and good response to antibiotic treatment, Lactococcus lactis endocarditis must be considered a serious disease. It is imperative for a clinician to suspect this microorganism of causing endocarditis when they notice signs of infectious endocarditis in a patient with a history of consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or contact with farm animals. The finding of a liver abscess should lead to an investigation of endocarditis, even in previously healthy patients without obvious clinical signs of endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahib Lahlou
- Department of Polyvalent Resuscitation Unit, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Abderrahim Bourial
- Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Taib Maaouni
- Department of Polyvalent Resuscitation Unit, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Bensaad
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ilham Bensahi
- Department of Cardiology, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Sabry
- Department of Cardiology, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Miguil
- Department of Polyvalent Resuscitation Unit, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Yarmola E, Ishkov IP, di Cologna NM, Menashe M, Whitener RL, Long JR, Abranches J, Hagen SJ, Brady LJ. Amyloid Aggregates Are Localized to the Nonadherent Detached Fraction of Aging Streptococcus mutans Biofilms. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0166122. [PMID: 35950854 PMCID: PMC9431626 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01661-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of bacterial species recognized to utilize purposeful amyloid aggregation within biofilms continues to grow. The oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans produces several amyloidogenic proteins, including adhesins P1 (also known as AgI/II, PAc) and WapA, whose truncation products, namely, AgII and AgA, respectively, represent the amyloidogenic moieties. Amyloids demonstrate common biophysical properties, including recognition by Thioflavin T (ThT) and Congo red (CR) dyes that bind to the cross β-sheet quaternary structure of amyloid aggregates. Previously, we observed amyloid formation to occur only after 60 h or more of S. mutans biofilm growth. Here, we extend those findings to investigate where amyloid is detected within 1- and 5-day-old biofilms, including within tightly adherent compared with those in nonadherent fractions. CR birefringence and ThT uptake demonstrated amyloid within nonadherent material removed from 5-day-old cultures but not within 1-day-old or adherent samples. These experiments were done in conjunction with confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence staining with AgII- and AgA-reactive antibodies, including monoclonal reagents shown to discriminate between monomeric protein and amyloid aggregates. These results also localized amyloid primarily to the nonadherent fraction of biofilms. Lastly, we show that the C-terminal region of P1 loses adhesive function following amyloidogenesis and is no longer able to competitively inhibit binding of S. mutans to its physiologic substrate, salivary agglutinin. Taken together, our results provide new evidence that amyloid aggregation negatively impacts the functional activity of a widely studied S. mutans adhesin and are consistent with a model in which amyloidogenesis of adhesive proteins facilitates the detachment of aging biofilms. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a keystone pathogen and causative agent of human dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. Like many pathogens, S. mutans causes disease in biofilms, which for dental decay begins with bacterial attachment to the salivary pellicle coating the tooth surface. Some strains of S. mutans are also associated with bacterial endocarditis. Amyloid aggregation was initially thought to represent only a consequence of protein mal-folding, but now, many microorganisms are known to produce functional amyloids with biofilm environments. In this study, we learned that amyloid formation diminishes the activity of a known S. mutans adhesin and that amyloid is found within the nonadherent fraction of older biofilms. This finding suggests that the transition from adhesin monomer to amyloid facilitates biofilm detachment. Knowing where and when S. mutans produces amyloid will help in developing therapeutic strategies to control tooth decay and other biofilm-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Yarmola
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ivan P. Ishkov
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Megan Menashe
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert L. Whitener
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joanna R. Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Stephen J. Hagen
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - L. Jeannine Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Frelet-Barrand A. Lactococcus lactis, an Attractive Cell Factory for the Expression of Functional Membrane Proteins. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020180. [PMID: 35204681 PMCID: PMC8961550 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins play key roles in most crucial cellular processes, ranging from cell-to-cell communication to signaling processes. Despite recent improvements, the expression of functionally folded membrane proteins in sufficient amounts for functional and structural characterization remains a challenge. Indeed, it is still difficult to predict whether a protein can be overproduced in a functional state in some expression system(s), though studies of high-throughput screens have been published in recent years. Prokaryotic expression systems present several advantages over eukaryotic ones. Among them, Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) has emerged in the last two decades as a good alternative expression system to E. coli. The purpose of this chapter is to describe L. lactis and its tightly inducible system, NICE, for the effective expression of membrane proteins from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Frelet-Barrand
- FEMTO-ST Institute, UMR 6174, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 15B Avenue des Montboucons, CEDEX, 25030 Besançon, France
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Amyloid Aggregation of Streptococcus mutans Cnm Influences Its Collagen-Binding Activity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0114921. [PMID: 34406827 PMCID: PMC8516039 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01149-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cnm gene, coding for the glycosylated collagen- and laminin-binding surface adhesin Cnm, is found in the genomes of approximately 20% of Streptococcus mutans clinical isolates and is associated with systemic infections and increased caries risk. Other surface-associated collagen-binding proteins of S. mutans, such as P1 and WapA, have been demonstrated to form an amyloid quaternary structure with functional implications within biofilms. In silico analysis predicted that the β-sheet-rich N-terminal collagen-binding domain (CBD) of Cnm has a propensity for amyloid aggregation, whereas the threonine-rich C-terminal domain was predicted to be disorganized. In this study, thioflavin-T fluorescence and electron microscopy were used to show that Cnm forms amyloids in either its native glycosylated or recombinant nonglycosylated form and that the CBD of Cnm is the main amyloidogenic unit of Cnm. We then performed a series of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to characterize the amylogenic properties of Cnm. In addition, Congo red birefringence indicated that Cnm is a major amyloidogenic protein of S. mutans biofilms. Competitive binding assays using collagen-coated microtiter plates and dental roots, a substrate rich in collagen, revealed that Cnm monomers inhibit S. mutans binding to collagenous substrates, whereas Cnm amyloid aggregates lose this property. Thus, while Cnm contributes to recognition and initial binding of S. mutans to collagen-rich surfaces, amyloid formation by Cnm might act as a negative regulatory mechanism to modulate collagen-binding activity within S. mutans biofilms and warrants further investigation. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a keystone pathogen that promotes caries by acidifying the dental biofilm milieu. The collagen- and laminin-binding glycoprotein Cnm is a virulence factor of S. mutans. Expression of Cnm by S. mutans is hypothesized to contribute to niche expansion, allowing colonization of multiple sites in the body, including collagen-rich surfaces such as dentin and heart valves. Here, we suggest that Cnm function might be modulated by its aggregation status. As a monomer, its primary function is to promote attachment to collagenous substrates via its collagen-binding domain (CBD). However, in later stages of biofilm maturation, the same CBD of Cnm could self-assemble into amyloid fibrils, losing the ability to bind to collagen and likely becoming a component of the biofilm matrix. Our findings shed light on the role of functional amyloids in S. mutans pathobiology and ecology.
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Lima AR, Herrera DR, Francisco PA, Pereira AC, Lemos J, Abranches J, Gomes BPFA. Detection of Streptococcus mutans in symptomatic and asymptomatic infected root canals. Clin Oral Investig 2021; 25:3535-3542. [PMID: 33170373 PMCID: PMC8152374 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-020-03676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the presence of Streptococcus mutans in root canals of symptomatic necrotic teeth (SNT) and their associated acute apical abscesses (AAA) and in the root canals of asymptomatic necrotic teeth (ANT). It also aimed to investigate the presence of the cnm and cbm genes in specimens that harbored S. mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA was extracted from samples collected from 10 patients presenting pulpal necrosis associated with radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis (ANT) and from 10 patients in need of endodontic therapy due to the presence of pulpal necrosis (SNT) and AAA. The control group consisted of 10 patients with teeth with normal vital pulp and requiring endodontic treatment for prosthetic reasons. The presence of S. mutans was detected by quantitative real-time-PCR (qPCR) using species-specific primers. Samples harboring S. mutans were further evaluated for the presence of CBP genes by qPCR as well. RESULTS All studied sites showed a high prevalence of S. mutans, except the control group. Specifically, 60% of ANT and 70% of AAA/SNT paired samples were positive for S. mutans. The cnm gene was detected positive for S. mutans only in ANT samples (66.6%). The cbm gene was not detected in any of the investigated sites. CONCLUSIONS S. mutans was found in high prevalence in both asymptomatic and symptomatic endodontic infections, including in abscesses, but it was not detected in the root canals of teeth with normal vital pulp. Interestingly, cnm+ S. mutans was only detected in asymptomatic/chronic primary endodontic infections associated with apical lesion. Therefore, it appears that cnm, and possibly other CBPs, may play an underestimated role in chronic endodontic infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A high prevalence of Streptococcus mutans cnm+ gene was detected only in asymptomatic primary endodontic infections associated with apical lesion. Therefore, it appears that this collagen-binding protein gene plays an underestimated role in asymptomatic/chronic endodontic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Rodrigues Lima
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av Limeira, 901, Bairro Areião, Piracicaba, SP, 13414-903, Brazil
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, UF. College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0424, USA
| | - Daniel Rodrigo Herrera
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av Limeira, 901, Bairro Areião, Piracicaba, SP, 13414-903, Brazil
- Department of Endodontics, Fluminense Federal University - UFF, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila Amanda Francisco
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av Limeira, 901, Bairro Areião, Piracicaba, SP, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Andrea Cardoso Pereira
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av Limeira, 901, Bairro Areião, Piracicaba, SP, 13414-903, Brazil
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, UF. College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0424, USA
| | - Jose Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, UF. College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0424, USA
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, UF. College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0424, USA.
| | - Brenda P F A Gomes
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Av Limeira, 901, Bairro Areião, Piracicaba, SP, 13414-903, Brazil.
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Garcia BA, Acosta NC, Tomar SL, Roesch LFW, Lemos JA, Mugayar LRF, Abranches J. Association of Candida albicans and Cbp + Streptococcus mutans with early childhood caries recurrence. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10802. [PMID: 34031498 PMCID: PMC8144385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Garcia
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, PO Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - N C Acosta
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, PO Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,San Francisco School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S L Tomar
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Prevention and Public Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - L F W Roesch
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biotechnology-CIP-Biotec, Universidade Federal Do Pampa, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J A Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, PO Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - L R F Mugayar
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, 1395 Center Drive, PO Box 100424, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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10
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Arora S, Gordon J, Hook M. Collagen Binding Proteins of Gram-Positive Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:628798. [PMID: 33613497 PMCID: PMC7893114 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.628798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagens are the primary structural components of mammalian extracellular matrices. In addition, collagens regulate tissue development, regeneration and host defense through interaction with specific cellular receptors. Their unique triple helix structure, which requires a glycine residue every third amino acid, is the defining structural feature of collagens. There are 28 genetically distinct collagens in humans. In addition, several other unrelated human proteins contain a collagen domain. Gram-positive bacteria of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus express cell surface proteins that bind to collagen. These proteins of Gram-positive pathogens are modular proteins that can be classified into different structural families. This review will focus on the different structural families of collagen binding proteins of Gram-positive pathogen. We will describe how these proteins interact with the triple helix in collagens and other host proteins containing a collagenous domain and discuss how these interactions can contribute to the pathogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishtee Arora
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jay Gordon
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Magnus Hook
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
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11
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Lima AR, Ganguly T, Walker AR, Acosta N, Francisco PA, Pileggi R, Lemos JA, Gomes BPFA, Abranches J. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Streptococcus mutans Strains Isolated from Endodontic Infections. J Endod 2020; 46:1876-1883. [PMID: 32919986 PMCID: PMC7686129 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans plays an important role in caries etiology and eventually in systemic infections. However, it is often found in infected root canals, but the pathophysiological characteristics of strains residing in this site are largely unknown. Here, we characterized strains of S. mutans isolated from root canals of primary (PI) and secondary/persistent (SI) endodontic infections in relation to serotype and genotype; presence of genes coding for collagen binding proteins (CBPs); collagen binding activity and biofilm formation capacity; ability to withstand environmental stresses; systemic virulence in Galleria mellonella; and invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells and human dental pupal fibroblasts. Samples from 10 patients with PI and 10 patients with SI were collected, and a total of 14 S. mutans isolates, belonging to 3 genotypes, were obtained. Of these, 13 were serotype c, and 1 was serotype k. When compared with the reference strains, the clinical isolates were hypersensitive to hydrogen peroxide. Remarkably, all 14 strains harbored and expressed the CBP-encoding gene cbm, showing increased binding to collagen, enhanced systemic virulence in G. mellonella, and ability to invade human coronary artery endothelial cells and human dental pupal fibroblasts when compared with CBP-negative strains. Whole genome sequence analysis of PI and SI isolates revealed that these strains are phylogenetically related but genetically distinct from each other. Our findings highlight the importance of CBPs in facilitating colonization and persistence of S. mutans in collagenous substrates such as root canals and their potential role in the pathogenesis of endodontic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto R. Lima
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Tridib Ganguly
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Alejandro R. Walker
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Natalia Acosta
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Priscila A. Francisco
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta Pileggi
- Department of Endodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - José A. Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Brenda P F A Gomes
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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12
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Castillo Pedraza MC, Rosalen PL, de Castilho ARF, Freires IDA, de Sales Leite L, Faustoferri RC, Quivey RG, Klein MI. Inactivation of Streptococcus mutans genes lytST and dltAD impairs its pathogenicity in vivo. J Oral Microbiol 2019; 11:1607505. [PMID: 31143407 PMCID: PMC6522913 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2019.1607505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans orchestrates the development of a biofilm that causes dental caries in the presence of dietary sucrose, and, in the bloodstream, S. mutans can cause systemic infections. The development of a cariogenic biofilm is dependent on the formation of an extracellular matrix rich in exopolysaccharides, which contains extracellular DNA (eDNA) and lipoteichoic acids (LTAs). While the exopolysaccharides are virulence markers, the involvement of genes linked to eDNA and LTAs metabolism in the pathogenicity of S. mutans remains unclear. Objective and Design: In this study, a parental strain S. mutans UA159 and derivative strains carrying single gene deletions were used to investigate the role of eDNA (ΔlytS and ΔlytT), LTA (ΔdltA and ΔdltD), and insoluble exopolysaccharides (ΔgtfB) in virulence in a rodent model of dental caries (rats) and a systemic infection model (Galleria mellonella larvae). Results: Fewer carious lesions were observed on smooth and sulcal surfaces of enamel and dentin of the rats infected with ∆lytS, ∆dltD, and ΔgtfB (vs. the parental strain). Moreover, strains carrying gene deletions prevented the killing of larvae (vs. the parental strain). Conclusions: Altogether, these findings indicate that inactivation of lytST and dltAD impaired S. mutans cariogenicity and virulence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midian C Castillo Pedraza
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aline Rogéria Freire de Castilho
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Irlan de Almeida Freires
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Luana de Sales Leite
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Robert G Quivey
- Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marlise I Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
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13
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Lemos JA, Palmer SR, Zeng L, Wen ZT, Kajfasz JK, Freires IA, Abranches J, Brady LJ. The Biology of Streptococcus mutans. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.GPP3-0051-2018. [PMID: 30657107 PMCID: PMC6615571 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0051-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major etiological agent of human dental caries, Streptococcus mutans resides primarily in biofilms that form on the tooth surfaces, also known as dental plaque. In addition to caries, S. mutans is responsible for cases of infective endocarditis with a subset of strains being indirectly implicated with the onset of additional extraoral pathologies. During the past 4 decades, functional studies of S. mutans have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms the organism employs to form robust biofilms on tooth surfaces, to rapidly metabolize a wide variety of carbohydrates obtained from the host diet, and to survive numerous (and frequent) environmental challenges encountered in oral biofilms. In these areas of research, S. mutans has served as a model organism for ground-breaking new discoveries that have, at times, challenged long-standing dogmas based on bacterial paradigms such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In addition to sections dedicated to carbohydrate metabolism, biofilm formation, and stress responses, this article discusses newer developments in S. mutans biology research, namely, how S. mutans interspecies and cross-kingdom interactions dictate the development and pathogenic potential of oral biofilms and how next-generation sequencing technologies have led to a much better understanding of the physiology and diversity of S. mutans as a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- JA Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - SR Palmer
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - L Zeng
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - ZT Wen
- Dapartment of Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA
| | - JK Kajfasz
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - IA Freires
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - J Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - LJ Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
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14
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CovR and VicRKX Regulate Transcription of the Collagen Binding Protein Cnm of Streptococcus mutans. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00141-18. [PMID: 30201780 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00141-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnm is a surface-associated protein present in a subset of Streptococcus mutans strains that mediates binding to extracellular matrices, intracellular invasion, and virulence. Here, we showed that cnm transcription is controlled by the global regulators CovR and VicRKX. In silico analysis identified multiple putative CovR- and VicR-binding motifs in the regulatory region of cnm as well as in the downstream gene pgfS, which is associated with the posttranslational modification of Cnm. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that CovR and VicR specifically and independently bind to the cnm and pgfS promoter regions. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses of ΔcovR and ΔvicK strains as well as of a strain overexpressing vicRKX revealed that CovR functions as a positive regulator of cnm, whereas VicRKX acts as a negative regulator. In agreement with the role of VicRKX as a repressor, the ΔvicK strain showed enhanced binding to collagen and laminin and higher intracellular invasion rates. Overexpression of vicRKX was associated with decreased rates of intracellular invasion but did not affect collagen or lamin binding activities, suggesting that this system controls additional genes involved in binding to these extracellular matrix proteins. As expected, based on the role of CovR in cnm regulation, the ΔcovR strain showed decreased intracellular invasion rates, but, unexpectedly collagen and laminin binding activities were increased in this mutant strain. Collectively, the results presented here expand the repertoire of virulence-related genes regulated by CovR and VicRKX to include the core gene pgfS and the noncore gene cnm IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen associated with dental caries and also implicated in systemic infections, in particular, infective endocarditis. The Cnm adhesin of S. mutans is an important virulence factor associated with systemic infections and caries severity. Despite its role in virulence, the regulatory mechanisms governing cnm expression are poorly understood. Here, we describe the identification of two independent regulatory systems controlling the transcription of cnm and the downstream pgfS-pgfM1-pgfE-pgfM2 operon. A better understanding of the mechanisms controlling expression of virulence factors like Cnm can facilitate the development of new strategies to treat bacterial infections.
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15
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Avilés-Reyes A, Freires IA, Kajfasz JK, Barbieri D, Miller JH, Lemos JA, Abranches J. Whole genome sequence and phenotypic characterization of a Cbm + serotype e strain of Streptococcus mutans. Mol Oral Microbiol 2018; 33:257-269. [PMID: 29524318 PMCID: PMC5945312 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We report the whole genome sequence of the serotype e Cbm+ strain LAR01 of Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen frequently associated with extra-oral infections. The LAR01 genome is a single circular chromosome of 2.1 Mb with a GC content of 36.96%. The genome contains 15 phosphotransferase system gene clusters, seven cell wall-anchored (LPxTG) proteins, all genes required for the development of natural competence and genes coding for mutacins VI and K8. Interestingly, the cbm gene is genetically linked to a putative type VII secretion system that has been found in Mycobacteria and few other Gram-positive bacteria. When compared with the UA159 type strain, phenotypic characterization of LAR01 revealed increased biofilm formation in the presence of either glucose or sucrose but similar abilities to withstand acid and oxidative stresses. LAR01 was unable to inhibit the growth of Strpetococcus gordonii, which is consistent with the genomic data that indicate absence of mutacins that can kill mitis streptococci. On the other hand, LAR01 effectively inhibited growth of other S. mutans strains, suggesting that it may be specialized to outcompete strains from its own species. In vitro and in vivo studies using mutational and heterologous expression approaches revealed that Cbm is a virulence factor of S. mutans by mediating binding to extracellular matrix proteins and intracellular invasion. Collectively, the whole genome sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization of LAR01 provides new insights on the virulence properties of S. mutans and grants further opportunities to understand the genomic fluidity of this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - Irlan Almeida Freires
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jessica K. Kajfasz
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - Dicler Barbieri
- Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - James H. Miller
- Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - José A. Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
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16
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Avilés-Reyes A, Freires IA, Besingi R, Purushotham S, Deivanayagam C, Brady LJ, Abranches J, Lemos JA. Characterization of the pgf operon involved in the posttranslational modification of Streptococcus mutans surface proteins. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4705. [PMID: 29549320 PMCID: PMC5856776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation has been described as the most abundant and complex post-translational modification occurring in nature. Recent studies have enhanced our view of how this modification occurs in bacteria highlighting the role of protein glycosylation in various processes such as biofilm formation, virulence and host-microbe interactions. We recently showed that the collagen- and laminin-binding adhesin Cnm of the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans is post-translationally modified by the PgfS glycosyltransferase. Following this initial identification of Cnm as a glycoprotein, we have now identified additional genes (pgfM1, pgfE and pgfM2) that are also involved in the posttranslational modification of Cnm. Similar to the previously characterized ΔpgfS strain, inactivation of pgfM1, pgfE or pgfM2 directly impacts Cnm by altering its migration pattern, proteolytic stability and function. In addition, we identified the wall-associated protein A (WapA) as an additional substrate of Pgf-dependent modification. We conclude that the pgS-pgfM1-pgfE-pgfM2 operon encodes for a protein machinery that can modify, likely through the addition of glycans, both core and non-core gene products in S. mutans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Irlan Almeida Freires
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Richard Besingi
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sangeetha Purushotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Champion Deivanayagam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - L Jeannine Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - José A Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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17
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Georgountzos G, Michopoulos C, Grivokostopoulos C, Kolosaka M, Vlassopoulou N, Lekkou A. Infective Endocarditis in a Young Adult due to Lactococcus lactis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Med 2018; 2018:5091456. [PMID: 29686711 PMCID: PMC5857332 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5091456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a condition mainly associated with valvular disease or prosthetic valve and intravenous drug use as a risk factor. Here, we describe a rare case of a previously healthy patient with endocarditis due to Lactococcus lactis associated with cattle contact, where antibiotic treatment resulted in full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Georgountzos
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - C. Michopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - C. Grivokostopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - M. Kolosaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Patras University Hospital, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - N. Vlassopoulou
- Department of Cardiology, Patras University Hospital, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - A. Lekkou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Patras University Hospital, Rio, Patras 26504, Greece
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18
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Fu T, Fan X, Long Q, Deng W, Song J, Huang E. Comparative analysis of prophages in Streptococcus mutans genomes. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4057. [PMID: 29158986 PMCID: PMC5695247 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prophages have been considered genetic units that have an intimate association with novel phenotypic properties of bacterial hosts, such as pathogenicity and genomic variation. Little is known about the genetic information of prophages in the genome of Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of human dental caries. In this study, we identified 35 prophage-like elements in S. mutans genomes and performed a comparative genomic analysis. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses of prophage sequences revealed that the prophages could be classified into three main large clusters: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. The S. mutans prophages in each cluster were compared. The genomic sequences of phismuN66-1, phismuNLML9-1, and phismu24-1 all shared similarities with the previously reported S. mutans phages M102, M102AD, and ϕAPCM01. The genomes were organized into seven major gene clusters according to the putative functions of the predicted open reading frames: packaging and structural modules, integrase, host lysis modules, DNA replication/recombination modules, transcriptional regulatory modules, other protein modules, and hypothetical protein modules. Moreover, an integrase gene was only identified in phismuNLML9-1 prophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiwei Fu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangyu Fan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Quanxin Long
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wanyan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinlin Song
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Enyi Huang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
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19
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A New Perspective of an Old Villain: Revisiting Biomarkers of Caries Development. EBioMedicine 2017; 25:14-15. [PMID: 29111263 PMCID: PMC5704059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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20
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Avilés-Reyes A, Freires IA, Rosalen PL, Lemos JA, Abranches J. Ex vivo Model of Human Aortic Valve Bacterial Colonization. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2316. [PMID: 32699810 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of pathogens with host tissues is a key step towards successful colonization and establishment of an infection. During bacteremia, pathogens can virtually reach all organs in the human body (e.g., heart, kidney, spleen) but host immunity, blood flow and tissue integrity generally prevents bacterial colonization. Yet, patients with cardiac conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis, calcific aortic stenosis, prosthetic valve recipients) are at a higher risk of bacterial infection. This protocol was adapted from an established ex vivo porcine heart adhesion model and takes advantage of the availability of heart tissues obtained from patients that underwent aortic valve replacement surgery. In this protocol, fresh tissues are used to assess the direct interaction of bacterial pathogens associated with cardiovascular infections, such as the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans, with human aortic valve tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, USA
| | - Irlan Almeida Freires
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Pedro Luiz Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - José A Lemos
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, USA
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, USA
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21
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Song AAL, In LLA, Lim SHE, Rahim RA. A review on Lactococcus lactis: from food to factory. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:55. [PMID: 28376880 PMCID: PMC5379754 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0669-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis has progressed a long way since its discovery and initial use in dairy product fermentation, to its present biotechnological applications in genetic engineering for the production of various recombinant proteins and metabolites that transcends the heterologous species barrier. Key desirable features of this gram-positive lactic acid non-colonizing gut bacteria include its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, probiotic properties, the absence of inclusion bodies and endotoxins, surface display and extracellular secretion technology, and a diverse selection of cloning and inducible expression vectors. This have made L. lactis a desirable and promising host on par with other well established model bacterial or yeast systems such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces [corrected] cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis. In this article, we review recent technological advancements, challenges, future prospects and current diversified examples on the use of L. lactis as a microbial cell factory. Additionally, we will also highlight latest medical-based applications involving whole-cell L. lactis as a live delivery vector for the administration of therapeutics against both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelene Ai-Lian Song
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Lionel L A In
- Functional Food Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Swee Hua Erin Lim
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Perdana University, Block B and D, MAEPS Building, MARDI Complex, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raha Abdul Rahim
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nobbs
- a School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol , Bristol , UK
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