Functional analysis of glucan binding protein B from Streptococcus mutans

The complement system as a key modulator of the oral microbiome in health and disease

In this review, we address the interplay between the complement system and host microbiomes in health and disease, focussing on oral bacteria known to contribute to homeostasis or to promote dysbiosis associated with dental caries and periodontal diseases. Host proteins modulating complement activities in the oral environment and expression profiles of complement proteins in oral tissues were described. In addition, we highlight a sub-set of bacterial proteins involved in complement evasion and/or dysregulation previously characterized in pathogenic species (or strains), but further conserved among prototypical commensal species of the oral microbiome. Potential roles of these proteins in host-microbiome homeostasis and in the emergence of commensal strain lineages with increased virulence were also addressed. Finally, we provide examples of how commensal bacteria might exploit the complement system in competitive or cooperative interactions within the complex microbial communities of oral biofilms. These issues highlight the need for studies investigating the effects of the complement system on bacterial behaviour and competitiveness during their complex interactions within oral and extra-oral host sites.

Anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activities of arachidonic acid against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium, which causes dental caries after forming biofilms on the tooth surface while producing organic acids that demineralize enamel and dentin. We observed that the polyunsaturated arachidonic acid (AA) (ω-6; 20:4) had an anti-bacterial activity against S. mutans, which prompted us to investigate its mechanism of action. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AA on S. mutans was 25 μg/ml in the presence of 5% CO2, while it was reduced to 6.25-12.5 μg/ml in the absence of CO2 supplementation. The anti-bacterial action was due to a combination of bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) was the same as the MIC, suggesting that part of the anti-biofilm effect was due to the anti-bacterial activity. Gene expression studies showed decreased expression of biofilm-related genes, suggesting that AA also has a specific anti-biofilm effect. Flow cytometric analyses using potentiometric DiOC2(3) dye, fluorescent efflux pump substrates, and live/dead SYTO 9/propidium iodide staining showed that AA leads to immediate membrane hyperpolarization, altered membrane transport and efflux pump activities, and increased membrane permeability with subsequent membrane perforation. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) showed remnants of burst bacteria. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis using the redox probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) showed that AA acts as an antioxidant in a dose-dependent manner. α-Tocopherol, an antioxidant that terminates the radical chain, counteracted the anti-bacterial activity of AA, suggesting that oxidation of AA in bacteria leads to the production of cytotoxic radicals that contribute to bacterial growth arrest and death. Importantly, AA was not toxic to normal Vero epithelial cells even at 100 μg/ml, and it did not cause hemolysis of erythrocytes. In conclusion, our study shows that AA is a potentially safe drug that can be used to reduce the bacterial burden of cariogenic S. mutans.

PcsB Expression Diversity Influences on Streptococcus mitis Phenotypes Associated With Host Persistence and Virulence

S. mitis is an abundant member of the commensal microbiota of the oral cavity and pharynx, which has the potential to promote systemic infections. By analyzing a collection of S. mitis strains isolated from the oral cavity at commensal states or from systemic infections (blood strains), we established that S. mitis ubiquitously express the surface immunodominant protein, PcsB (also called GbpB), required for binding to sucrose-derived exopolysaccharides (EPS). Immuno dot blot assays with anti-PcsB antibodies and RT-qPCR transcription analyses revealed strain-specific profiles of PcsB production associated with diversity in pcsB transcriptional activities. Additionally, blood strains showed significantly higher levels of PcsB expression compared to commensal isolates. Because Streptococcus mutans co-colonizes S. mitis dental biofilms, and secretes glucosyltransferases (GtfB/C/D) for the synthesis of highly insoluble EPS from sucrose, profiles of S. mitis binding to EPS, biofilm formation and evasion of the complement system were assessed in sucrose-containing BHI medium supplemented or not with filter-sterilized S. mutans culture supernatants. These analyses showed significant S. mitis binding to EPS and biofilm formation in the presence of S. mutans supernatants supplemented with sucrose, compared to BHI or BHI-sucrose medium. In addition, these phenotypes were abolished if strains were grown in culture supernatants of a gtfBCD-defective S. mutans mutant. Importantly, GtfB/C/D-associated phenotypes were enhanced in high PcsB-expressing strains, compared to low PcsB producers. Increased PcsB expression was further correlated with increased resistance to deposition of C3b/iC3b of the complement system after exposure to human serum, when strains were previously grown in the presence of S. mutans supernatants. Finally, analyses of PcsB polymorphisms and bioinformatic prediction of epitopes with significant binding to MHC class II alleles revealed that blood isolates harbor PcsB polymorphisms in its functionally conserved CHAP-domain, suggesting antigenic variation. These findings reveal important roles of PcsB in S. mitis-host interactions under commensal and pathogenic states, highlighting the need for studies to elucidate mechanisms regulating PcsB expression in this species.

Streptococcus mutans requires mature rhamnose-glucose polysaccharides for proper pathophysiology, morphogenesis and cellular division

The cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria has been shown to mediate environmental stress tolerance, antibiotic susceptibility, host immune evasion and overall virulence. The majority of these traits have been demonstrated for the well-studied system of wall teichoic acid (WTA) synthesis, a common cell wall polysaccharide among Gram-positive organisms. Streptococcus mutans, a Gram-positive odontopathogen that contributes to the enamel-destructive disease dental caries, lacks the capabilities to generate WTA. Instead, the cell wall of S. mutans is highly decorated with rhamnose-glucose polysaccharides (RGP), for which functional roles are poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that the RGP has a distinct role in protecting S. mutans from a variety of stress conditions pertinent to pathogenic capability. Mutant strains with disrupted RGP synthesis failed to properly localize cell division complexes, suffered from aberrant septum formation and exhibited enhanced cellular autolysis. Surprisingly, mutant strains of S. mutans with impairment in RGP side chain modification grew into elongated chains and also failed to properly localize the presumed cell wall hydrolase, GbpB. Our results indicate that fully mature RGP has distinct protective and morphogenic roles for S. mutans, and these structures are functionally homologous to the WTA of other Gram-positive bacteria.

Mutans Streptococci counts from saliva and its protein profile in early childhood caries

AIM

This study aims to analyze the number Mutans Streptococci (MS) and its protein profile from the saliva of early childhood caries (ECC) and caries-free subjects.

METHODS

MS counts were cultured from saliva samples, and the protein profile of MS was determined from ECC and caries-free subjects. The number of colonies were counted, and the protein bands with the molecular weight of 13, 29, 39, 41.3, 74, and 95 kDa were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method.

RESULTS

We found that the number of colonies from saliva of ECC patients was higher than those caries-free (22.20 × 106 CFU/ml vs. 19.16 × 106 CFU/ml, p < 0.05). There are higher expression frequencies in protein 29, 39, 41.3, and 74 kDa of MS in ECC than caries-free subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

There is the higher number of MS colonies and difference of MS protein profile isolated from saliva among children with ECC and caries-free counterparts.

Activity of Streptococcus mutans VicR Is Modulated by Antisense RNA

The VicRK 2-component system of Streptococcus mutans regulates genes associated with cell wall biogenesis and biofilm formation. A putative RNase III-encoding gene ( rnc) is located downstream from the vicRKX operon. The goals of this study were to investigate the potential role of VicR in the regulation of adjacent downstream genes and evaluate transcription levels of vicR during planktonic and biofilm growth. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate whether vicRKX and adjacent downstream genes were cotranscribed. Binding of purified recombinant VicR protein to promoter regions of vicR, rnc, and syfA genes was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. VicR antisense (AS vicR) RNA was detected by Northern blotting and qRT-PCR assays. AS vicR overexpression mutants were constructed, and the biofilm biomass was determined by crystal violet microtiter assay. Adjacent downstream genes rnc, smc, syfA, smu.1511, and syfB were cotranscribed with vicRKX. The predicted promoter regions of vicR, rnc, and syfA genes were directly regulated by VicR. An AS vicR RNA transcript was detected upstream of the rnc gene. Expression of the AS vicR RNA transcript was elevated in planktonic cultures and repressed during biofilm growth. In addition, Western blot data showed that expression of the VicR protein decreased by 35% in planktonic as compared with biofilm cultures. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of AS vicR led to a reduction in biofilm formation. The downstream genes rnc, smc, syfA, smu.1511, and syfB are cotranscribed with vicRKX. VicR is autophosphorylated, and rnc and syfA are directly regulated by VicR. Expression of VicR protein correlated inversely with different levels of AS vicR RNA transcript and growth conditions. The biofilm biomass decreased in the AS vicR overexpression mutant. These data suggest a role for the AS vicR RNA transcript in posttranscriptional regulation of VicR protein production in S. mutans.

Two-component signal transduction systems in oral bacteria

We present an overview of how members of the oral microbiota respond to their environment by regulating gene expression through two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) to support conditions compatible with homeostasis in oral biofilms or drive the equilibrium toward dysbiosis in response to environmental changes. Using studies on the sub-gingival Gram-negative anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis and Gram-positive streptococci as examples, we focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in activation of TCS and species specificities of TCS regulons.

The two-component system VicRK regulates functions associated with Streptococcus mutans resistance to complement immunity

Streptococcus mutans, a dental caries pathogen, can promote systemic infections upon reaching the bloodstream. The two-component system (TCS) VicRK_Sm of S. mutans regulates the synthesis of and interaction with sucrose-derived exopolysaccharides (EPS), processes associated with oral and systemic virulence. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which VicRK_Sm affects S. mutans susceptibility to blood-mediated immunity. Compared with parent strain UA159, the vicK_Sm isogenic mutant (UAvic) showed reduced susceptibility to deposition of C3b of complement, low binding to serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and low frequency of C3b/IgG-mediated opsonophagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells in a sucrose-independent way (P<.05). Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis comparing gene expression in UA159 and UAvic revealed that genes encoding putative peptidases of the complement (pepO and smu.399) were upregulated in UAvic in the presence of serum, although genes encoding murein hydrolases (SmaA and Smu.2146c) or metabolic/surface proteins involved in bacterial interactions with host components (enolase, GAPDH) were mostly affected in a serum-independent way. Among vicK_Sm -downstream genes (smaA, smu.2146c, lysM, atlA, pepO, smu.399), only pepO and smu.399 were associated with UAvic phenotypes; deletion of both genes in UA159 significantly enhanced levels of C3b deposition and opsonophagocytosis (P<.05). Moreover, consistent with the fibronectin-binding function of PepO orthologues, UAvic showed increased binding to fibronectin. Reduced susceptibility to opsonophagocytosis was insufficient to enhance ex vivo persistence of UAvic in blood, which was associated with growth defects of this mutant under limited nutrient conditions. Our findings revealed that S. mutans employs mechanisms of complement evasion through peptidases, which are controlled by VicRK_Sm.

Triethylene Glycol Up-Regulates Virulence-Associated Genes and Proteins in Streptococcus mutans

Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a diluent monomer used pervasively in dental composite resins. Through hydrolytic degradation of the composites in the oral cavity it yields a hydrophilic biodegradation product, triethylene glycol (TEG), which has been shown to promote the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a dominant cariogenic bacterium. Previously it was shown that TEG up-regulated gtfB, an important gene contributing to polysaccharide synthesis function in biofilms. However, molecular mechanisms related to TEG’s effect on bacterial function remained poorly understood. In the present study, S. mutans UA159 was incubated with clinically relevant concentrations of TEG at pH 5.5 and 7.0. Quantitative real-time PCR, proteomics analysis, and glucosyltransferase enzyme (GTF) activity measurements were employed to identify the bacterial phenotypic response to TEG. A S. mutans vicK isogenic mutant (SMΔvicK1) and its associated complemented strain (SMΔvicK1C), an important regulatory gene for biofilm-associated genes, were used to determine if this signaling pathway was involved in modulation of the S. mutans virulence-associated genes. Extracted proteins from S. mutans biofilms grown in the presence and absence of TEG were subjected to mass spectrometry for protein identification, characterization and quantification. TEG up-regulated gtfB/C, gbpB, comC, comD and comE more significantly in biofilms at cariogenic pH (5.5) and defined concentrations. Differential response of the vicK knock-out (SMΔvicK1) and complemented strains (SMΔvicK1C) implicated this signalling pathway in TEG-modulated cellular responses. TEG resulted in increased GTF enzyme activity, responsible for synthesizing insoluble glucans involved in the formation of cariogenic biofilms. As well, TEG increased protein abundance related to biofilm formation, carbohydrate transport, acid tolerance, and stress-response. Proteomics data was consistent with gene expression findings for the selected genes. These findings demonstrate a mechanistic pathway by which TEG derived from commercial resin materials in the oral cavity promote S. mutans pathogenicity, which is typically associated with secondary caries.

A new small molecule inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilms in vitro and in vivo

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify new small molecules that can inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilms by in vitro and in vivo model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated the effect of a small molecule 2-amino-imidazole/triazole conjugate (2-AI/T) on the formation of Strep. mutans biofilms by culturing in 96-well plates. Toxicity was assessed through cell culture and intragastrically administering to mice. The anti-biofilm and anti-caries effects were investigated in vivo. The inhibitive mechanism was detected by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (itraq) and RT-QPCR. In vitro and in vivo study revealed that 2-AI/T significantly inhibited biofilm formation of Strep. mutans and is more so than inhibiting planktonic cells without toxicity. The ribosome and histidine metabolism pathways of Strep. mutans were significantly regulated by this compound.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the 2-AI/T conjugate is a potent inhibitor that can be potentially developed into a new drug to treat and prevent dental caries.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study to use small molecule from marine natural products, to protect from dental caries in vivo. It has potential broad range application in clinical caries prevention, or as a bioactive ingredient for food applications.

The copYAZ Operon Functions in Copper Efflux, Biofilm Formation, Genetic Transformation, and Stress Tolerance in Streptococcus mutans

In bacteria, copper homeostasis is closely monitored to ensure proper cellular functions while avoiding cell damage. Most Gram-positive bacteria utilize the copYABZ operon for copper homeostasis, where copA and copB encode copper-transporting P-type ATPases, whereas copY and copZ regulate the expression of the cop operon. Streptococcus mutans is a biofilm-forming oral pathogen that harbors a putative copper-transporting copYAZ operon. Here, we characterized the role of copYAZ operon in the physiology of S. mutans and delineated the mechanisms of copper-induced toxicity in this bacterium. We observed that copper induced toxicity in S. mutans cells by generating oxidative stress and disrupting their membrane potential. Deletion of the copYAZ operon in S. mutans strain UA159 resulted in reduced cell viability under copper, acid, and oxidative stress relative to the viability of the wild type under these conditions. Furthermore, the ability of S. mutans to form biofilms and develop genetic competence was impaired under copper stress. Briefly, copper stress significantly reduced cell adherence and total biofilm biomass, concomitantly repressing the transcription of the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gbpB, and gbpC genes, whose products have roles in maintaining the structural and/or functional integrity of the S. mutans biofilm. Furthermore, supplementation with copper or loss of copYAZ resulted in significant reductions in transformability and in the transcription of competence-associated genes. Copper transport assays revealed that the ΔcopYAZ strain accrued significantly large amounts of intracellular copper compared with the amount of copper accumulation in the wild-type strain, thereby demonstrating a role for CopYAZ in the copper efflux of S. mutans. The complementation of the CopYAZ system restored copper expulsion, membrane potential, and stress tolerance in the copYAZ-null mutant. Taking these results collectively, we have established the function of the S. mutans CopYAZ system in copper export and have further expanded knowledge on the importance of copper homeostasis and the CopYAZ system in modulating streptococcal physiology, including stress tolerance, membrane potential, genetic competence, and biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE

S. mutans is best known for its role in the initiation and progression of human dental caries, one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. S. mutans is also implicated in bacterial endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the heart valve. The core virulence factors of S. mutans include its ability to produce and sustain acidic conditions and to form a polysaccharide-encased biofilm that provides protection against environmental insults. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of copper and/or deletion of copYAZ (the copper homeostasis system) have serious implications in modulating biofilm formation, stress tolerance, and genetic transformation in S. mutans. Manipulating the pathways affected by copper and the copYAZ system may help to develop potential therapeutics to prevent S. mutans infection in and beyond the oral cavity.

In vitro manganese-dependent cross-talk between Streptococcus mutans VicK and GcrR: implications for overlapping stress response pathways

Streptococcus mutans, a major acidogenic component of the dental plaque biofilm, has a key role in caries etiology. Previously, we demonstrated that the VicRK two-component signal transduction system modulates biofilm formation, oxidative stress and acid tolerance responses in S. mutans. Using in vitro phosphorylation assays, here we demonstrate for the first time, that in addition to activating its cognate response regulator protein, the sensor kinase, VicK can transphosphorylate a non-cognate stress regulatory response regulator, GcrR, in the presence of manganese. Manganese is an important micronutrient that has been previously correlated with caries incidence, and which serves as an effector of SloR-mediated metalloregulation in S. mutans. Our findings supporting regulatory effects of manganese on the VicRK, GcrR and SloR, and the cross-regulatory networks formed by these components are more complex than previously appreciated. Using DNaseI footprinting we observed overlapping DNA binding specificities for VicR and GcrR in native promoters, consistent with these proteins being part of the same transcriptional regulon. Our results also support a role for SloR as a positive regulator of the vicRK two component signaling system, since its transcription was drastically reduced in a SloR-deficient mutant. These findings demonstrate the regulatory complexities observed with the S. mutans manganese-dependent response, which involves cross-talk between non-cognate signal transduction systems (VicRK and GcrR) to modulate stress response pathways.

The anti-adhesive mode of action of a purified mushroom (Lentinus edodes) extract with anticaries and antigingivitis properties in two oral bacterial phatogens

Background

In previous works we have shown that a low-molecular-mass (LMM) fraction from mushroom (Lentinus edodes) homogenate interferes with binding of Streptococcus mutans to hydroxyapatite and Prevotella intermedia to gingival cells. Additionally, inhibition of biofilm formation of both odonto- and periodonto-pathogenic bacteria and detachment from preformed biofilms have been described for this compound. Further purification of mushroom extract has been recently achieved and a sub-fraction (i.e. # 5) has been identified as containing the majority of the mentioned biological activities. The aim of this study was to characterise the bacterial receptors for the purified mushroom sub-fraction #5 in order to better elucidate the mode of action of this compound when interfering with bacterial adhesion to host surfaces or with bacteria-bacteria interactions in the biofilm state.

Methods

Candidate bacterial molecules to act as target of this compound were bacterial surface molecules involved in cell adhesion and biofilm formation, and, thus, we have considered cell wall associated proteins (CWPs), teichoic acid (TA) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of S. mutans, and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. intermedia.

Results

Fifteen S. mutans CWPs and TA were capable of binding sub-fraction #5, while LTA did not. As far as P. intermedia is concerned, we show that five OMPs interact with sub-fraction # 5. Capacity of binding to P. intermedia LPS was also studied but in this case negative results were obtained.

Conclusions

Binding sub-fraction # 5 to surface molecules of S. mutans or P. intermedia may result in inactivation of their physiological functions. As a whole, these results indicate, at molecular level, the bacterial surface alterations affecting adhesion and biofim formation. For these antimicrobial properties, the compound may find use in daily oral hygiene.

Differences in virulence of pneumolysin and autolysin mutants constructed by insertion duplication mutagenesis and in-frame deletion in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Background

Insertion duplication mutagenesis (IDM) and in-frame deletion (IFD) are common techniques for studying gene function, and have been applied to pneumolysin (ply), a virulence gene in Streptococcus pneumoniae (D39). Discrepancies in virulence between the two techniques were observed in both the previous and present studies. This phenomenon was also observed during mutation analysis of autolysin (lytA).

Results

Our data showed that target gene restoration (TGR) occurred in IDM mutants, even in the presence of antibiotics, while the IFD mutants were stable. In PCR result, TGR occurred later in IDM-ply and -lytA mutants cultured in non-supplemented medium (4–5 h) compared with those grown in medium supplemented with erythromycin (erm)/chloramphenicol (cat) (3–4 h), but plateaued faster. Real-time PCR for detecting TGR had been performed. When compared with 8-h culture, TGR detection increased from Day 1 and Day 2 of IDM mutant’s culture. erm-sensitive clones from IDM mutant were found. Southern blot hybridization and Western blotting also confirmed the phenomenon of TGR. The median survival of mice following intraperitoneal (IP) injection with a 3-h culture of IDM-mutants was significantly longer than that with an 8-h culture, irrespective of antibiotic usage. The median survival time of mice following IP injection of a 3-h culture versus an 8-h culture of IDM-ply in the absence of antibiotics was 10 days versus 2 days (p = 0.031), respectively, while in the presence of erm, the median survival was 5 days versus 2.5 days (p = 0.037), respectively. For an IDM-lytA mutant, the corresponding values were 8.5 days versus 2 days (p = 0.019), respectively, for non-supplemented medium, and 2.5 versus 2 days (p = 0.021), respectively, in the presence of cat. A comparable survival rate was observed between WT D39 and an 8-h IDM culture.

Conclusion

TGR in IDM mutants should be monitored to avoid inconsistent results, and misinterpretation of data due to TGR could lead to important biological meaning being overlooked. Therefore, based on these results, IFD is preferable to IDM for disruption of target genes.

Microbial interactions in building of communities

Establishment of a community is considered to be essential for microbial growth and survival in the human oral cavity. Biofilm communities have increased resilience to physical forces, antimicrobial agents and nutritional variations. Specific cell-to-cell adherence processes, mediated by adhesin-receptor pairings on respective microbial surfaces, are able to direct community development. These interactions co-localize species in mutually beneficial relationships, such as streptococci, veillonellae, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Candida albicans. In transition from the planktonic mode of growth to a biofilm community, microorganisms undergo major transcriptional and proteomic changes. These occur in response to sensing of diffusible signals, such as autoinducer molecules, and to contact with host tissues or other microbial cells. Underpinning many of these processes are intracellular phosphorylation events that regulate a large number of microbial interactions relevant to community formation and development.

Proteomic biomarkers associated with Streptococcus agalactiae invasive genogroups

Group B streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) is a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborns and an etiological agent of meningitis, endocarditis, osteoarticular and soft tissue infections in adults. GBS isolates are routinely clustered in serotypes and in genotypes. At present one GBS sequence type (i.e. ST17) is considered to be closely associated with bacterial invasiveness and novel proteomic biomarkers could make a valuable contribution to currently available GBS typing data. For that purpose we analyzed the protein profiles of 170 genotyped GBS isolates by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI). Univariate statistical analysis of the SELDI profiles identified four protein biomarkers significantly discriminating ST17 isolates from those of the other sequence types. Two of these biomarkers (MW of 7878 Da and 12200 Da) were overexpressed and the other two (MW of 6258 Da and 10463 Da) were underexpressed in ST17. The four proteins were isolated by mass spectrometry-assisted purification and their tryptic peptides analyzed by LC-MS/MS. They were thereby identified as the small subunit of exodeoxyribonuclease VII, the 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12, a CsbD-like protein and thioredoxin, respectively. In conclusion, we identified four candidate biomarkers of ST17 by SELDI for high-throughput screening. These markers may serve as a basis for further studies on the pathophysiology of GBS infection, and for the development of novel vaccines.

Complete genome and transcriptomes of Streptococcus parasanguinis FW213: phylogenic relations and potential virulence mechanisms

Streptococcus parasanguinis, a primary colonizer of the tooth surface, is also an opportunistic pathogen for subacute endocarditis. The complete genome of strain FW213 was determined using the traditional shotgun sequencing approach and further refined by the transcriptomes of cells in early exponential and early stationary growth phases in this study. The transcriptomes also discovered 10 transcripts encoding known hypothetical proteins, one pseudogene, five transcripts matched to the Rfam and additional 87 putative small RNAs within the intergenic regions defined by the GLIMMER analysis. The genome contains five acquired genomic islands (GIs) encoding proteins which potentially contribute to the overall pathogenic capacity and fitness of this microbe. The differential expression of the GIs and various open reading frames outside the GIs at the two growth phases suggested that FW213 possess a range of mechanisms to avoid host immune clearance, to colonize host tissues, to survive within oral biofilms and to overcome various environmental insults. Furthermore, the comparative genome analysis of five S. parasanguinis strains indicates that albeit S. parasanguinis strains are highly conserved, variations in the genome content exist. These variations may reflect differences in pathogenic potential between the strains.

Regulation of bacteriocin production and cell death by the VicRK signaling system in Streptococcus mutans

The VicRK two-component signaling system modulates biofilm formation, genetic competence, and stress tolerance in Streptococcus mutans. We show here that the VicRK modulates bacteriocin production and cell viability, in part by direct modulation of competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) production in S. mutans. Global transcriptome and real-time transcriptional analysis of the VicK-deficient mutant (SmuvicK) revealed significant modulation of several bacteriocin-related loci, including nlmAB, nlmC, and nlmD (P < 0.001), suggesting a role for the VicRK in producing mutacins IV, V, and VI. Bacteriocin overlay assays revealed an altered ability of the vic mutants to kill related species. Since a well-conserved VicR binding site (TGTWAH-N(5)-TGTWAH) was identified within the comC coding region, we confirmed VicR binding to this sequence using DNA footprinting. Overexpression of the vic operon caused growth-phase-dependent repression of comC, comDE, and comX. In the vic mutants, transcription of nlmC/cipB encoding mutacin V, previously linked to CSP-dependent cell lysis, as well as expression of its putative immunity factor encoded by immB, were significantly affected relative to the wild type (P < 0.05). In contrast to previous reports that proposed a hyper-resistant phenotype for the VicK mutant in cell viability, the release of extracellular genomic DNA was significantly enhanced in SmuvicK (P < 0.05), likely as a result of increased autolysis compared with the parent. The drastic influence of VicRK on cell viability was also demonstrated using vic mutant biofilms. Taken together, we have identified a novel regulatory link between the VicRK and ComDE systems to modulate bacteriocin production and cell viability of S. mutans.

Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of S. mutans isolated from dental biofilms formed in vivo under high cariogenic conditions

The oral cavity harbors several Streptococcus mutans genotypes, which could present distinct virulence properties. However, little is known about the diversity and virulence traits of S. mutans genotypes isolated in vivo under controlled conditions of high cariogenic challenge. This study evaluated the genotypic diversity of S. mutans isolated from dental biofilms formed in vivo under sucrose exposure, as well as their acidogenicity and aciduricity. To form biofilms, subjects rinsed their mouths with distilled water or sucrose solution 8 times/day for 3 days. S. mutans collected from saliva and biofilms were genotyped by arbitrarily-primed PCR. Genotypes identified in the biofilms were evaluated regarding their ability to lower the suspension pH through glycolysis and their acid susceptibility and F-ATPase activity. Most subjects harbored only one genotype in saliva, which was detected in almost all biofilm samples at high proportions. Genotypes isolated only in the presence of sucrose had higher acidogenicity than those isolated only in the presence of water. Genotypes from biofilms formed with sucrose were more aciduric after 30 and 60 min of incubation at pH 2.8 and 5.0, respectively. The present results suggest that biofilms formed under high cariogenic conditions may harbor more aciduric and acidogenic S. mutans genotypes.

Essential PcsB putative peptidoglycan hydrolase interacts with the essential FtsXSpn cell division protein in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39

The connection between peptidoglycan remodeling and cell division is poorly understood in ellipsoid-shaped ovococcus bacteria, such as the human respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. In S. pneumoniae, peptidoglycan homeostasis and stress are regulated by the WalRK (VicRK) two-component regulatory system, which positively regulates expression of the essential PcsB cysteine- and histidine-dependent aminohydrolases/peptidases (CHAP)-domain protein. CHAP-domain proteins usually act as peptidoglycan hydrolases, but purified PcsB lacks detectable enzymatic activity. To explore the functions of PcsB, its subcellular localization was determined. Fractionation experiments showed that cell-bound PcsB was located through hydrophobic interactions on the external membrane surface of pneumococcal cells. Immunofluorescent microscopy localized PcsB mainly to the septa and equators of dividing cells. Chemical cross-linking combined with immunoprecipitation showed that PcsB interacts with the cell division complex formed by membrane-bound FtsX(Spn) and cytoplasmic FtsE(Spn) ATPase, which structurally resemble an ABC transporter. Far Western blotting showed that this interaction was likely through the large extracellular loop of FtsX(Spn) and the amino terminal coiled-coil domain of PcsB. Unlike in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, we show that FtsX(Spn) and FtsE(Spn) are essential in S. pneumoniae. Consistent with an interaction between PcsB and FtsX(Spn), cells depleted of PcsB or FtsX(Spn) had strikingly similar defects in cell division, and depletion of FtsX(Spn) caused mislocalization of PcsB but not the FtsZ(Spn) early-division protein. A model is presented in which the interaction of the FtsEX(Spn) complex with PcsB activates its peptidoglycan hydrolysis activity and couples peptidoglycan remodeling to pneumococcal cell division.

[Streptococcus mutans and oral streptococci in dental plaque]

The human oral microbial biota represents a highly diverse biofilm. Twenty-five species of oral streptococci inhabit the human oral cavity and represent about 20 % of the total oral bacteria. Taxonomy of these bacteria is complex and remains provisional. Oral streptococci encompass friends and foes bacteria. Each species has developed specific properties for colonizing the different oral sites subjected to constantly changing conditions, for competing against competitors, and for resisting external agressions (host immune system, physico-chemical shocks, and mechanical frictions). Imbalance in the indigenous microbial biota generates oral diseases, and under proper conditions, commensal streptococci can switch to opportunistic pathogens that initiate disease in and damage to the host. The group of "mutans streptococci" was described as the most important bacteria related to the formation of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans, although naturally present among the human oral microbiota, is the microbial species most strongly associated with carious lesions. This minireview describes the oral streptococci ecology and their biofilm life style by focusing on the mutans group, mainly S. mutans. Virulence traits, interactions in the biofilm, and influence of S. mutans in dental caries etiology are discussed.

The requirement for pneumococcal MreC and MreD is relieved by inactivation of the gene encoding PBP1a

MreC and MreD, along with the actin homologue MreB, are required to maintain the shape of rod-shaped bacteria. The depletion of MreCD in rod-shaped bacteria leads to the formation of spherical cells and the accumulation of suppressor mutations. Ovococcus bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, lack MreB homologues, and the functions of the S. pneumoniae MreCD (MreCD(Spn)) proteins are unknown. mreCD are located upstream from the pcsB cell division gene in most Streptococcus species, but we found that mreCD and pcsB are transcribed independently. Similarly to rod-shaped bacteria, we show that mreCD are essential in the virulent serotype 2 D39 strain of S. pneumoniae, and the depletion of MreCD results in cell rounding and lysis. In contrast, laboratory strain R6 contains suppressors that allow the growth of ΔmreCD mutants, and bypass suppressors accumulate in D39 ΔmreCD mutants. One class of suppressors eliminates the function of class A penicillin binding protein 1a (PBP1a). Unencapsulated Δpbp1a D39 mutants have smaller diameters than their pbp1a(+) parent or Δpbp2a and Δpbp1b mutants, which lack other class A PBPs and do not show the suppression of ΔmreCD mutations. Suppressed ΔmreCD Δpbp1a double mutants form aberrantly shaped cells, some with misplaced peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis compared to that of single Δpbp1a mutants. Quantitative Western blotting showed that MreC(Spn) is abundant (≈8,500 dimers per cell), and immunofluorescent microscopy (IFM) located MreCD(Spn) to the equators and septa of dividing cells, similarly to the PBPs and PG pentapeptides indicative of PG synthesis. These combined results are consistent with a model in which MreCD(Spn) direct peripheral PG synthesis and control PBP1a localization or activity.

Absence of pneumococcal PcsB is associated with overexpression of LysM domain-containing proteins

The streptococcal protein required for cell separation B (PcsB) is predicted to play an important role in peptidoglycan metabolism, based on sequence motifs and altered phenotypes of gene deletion mutant cells exhibiting defects in cell separation. However, no enzymic activity has been demonstrated for PcsB so far. By generating gene deletion mutant strains in four different genetic backgrounds we could demonstrate that pcsB is not essential for cell survival in Streptococcus pneumoniae, but is essential for proper cell division. Deletion mutant cells displayed cluster formation due to aberrant cell division, reduced growth and antibiotic sensitivity that were fully reverted by transformation with a plasmid carrying pcsB. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that PcsB was localized to the cell poles, similarly to PBP3 and LytB, enzymes with demonstrated peptidoglycan-degrading activity required for daughter cell separation. Similarly to other studies with PcsB homologues, we could not detect peptidoglycan-lytic activity with recombinant or native pneumococcal PcsB in vitro. In addition to defects in septum placement and separation, the absence of PcsB induced an increased release of several proteins, such as enolase, MalX and the SP0107 LysM domain protein. Interestingly, genes encoding both LysM domain-containing proteins that are present in the pneumococcal genome (SP0107 and SP2063) and predicted to be involved in cell wall metabolism were found to be highly overexpressed (14-33-fold increase) in ΔpcsB cells in two different genetic backgrounds. Otherwise, we detected very few changes in the global gene expression profile of cells lacking PcsB. Thus our data suggest that LysM domain proteins partially compensate for the lack of PcsB function and allow the survival and slow growth of the pneumococcus.

Downregulation of GbpB, a component of the VicRK regulon, affects biofilm formation and cell surface characteristics of Streptococcus mutans

The virulence of the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans relies in part on the sucrose-dependent synthesis of and interaction with glucan, a major component of the extracellular matrix of tooth biofilms. However, the mechanisms by which secreted and/or cell-associated glucan-binding proteins (Gbps) produced by S. mutans participate in biofilm growth remain to be elucidated. In this study, we further investigate GbpB, an essential immunodominant protein with similarity to murein hydrolases. A conditional knockdown mutant that expressed gbpB antisense RNA under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter was constructed in strain UA159 (UACA2) and used to investigate the effects of GbpB depletion on biofilm formation and cell surface-associated characteristics. Additionally, regulation of gbpB by the two-component system VicRK was investigated, and phenotypic analysis of a vicK mutant (UAvicK) was performed. GbpB was directly regulated by VicR, and several phenotypic changes were comparable between UACA2 and UAvicK, although differences between these strains existed. It was established that GbpB depletion impaired initial phases of sucrose-dependent biofilm formation, while exogenous native GbpB partially restored the biofilm phenotype. Several cellular traits were significantly affected by GbpB depletion, including altered cell shape, decreased autolysis, increased cell hydrophobicity, and sensitivity to antibiotics and osmotic and oxidative stresses. These data provide the first experimental evidence for GbpB participation in sucrose-dependent biofilm formation and in cell surface properties.

CIITA enhances HIV-1 attachment to CD4+ T cells leading to enhanced infection and cell depletion

Activated CD4(+) T cells are more susceptible to HIV infection than resting T cells; the reason for this remains unresolved. Induction of CIITA and subsequent expression of the MHC class II isotype HLA-DR are hallmarks of CD4(+) T cell activation; therefore, we investigated the role of CIITA expression in T cells during HIV infection. CIITA-expressing SupT1 cells display enhanced virion attachment in a gp160/CD4-dependent manner, which results in increased HIV infection, virus release, and T cell depletion. Although increased attachment and infection of T cells correlated with HLA-DR surface expression, Ab blocking, transient expression of HLA-DR without CIITA, and short hairpin RNA knockdown demonstrate that HLA-DR does not directly enhance susceptibility of CIITA-expressing cells to HIV infection. Further analysis of the remaining MHC class II isotypes, HLA-DP and HLA-DQ, MHC class I isotypes, HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C, and the class II Ag presentation genes, invariant chain and HLA-DM, demonstrate that these proteins likely do not contribute to CIITA enhancement of HIV infection. Finally, we demonstrate that in activated primary CD4(+) T cells as HLA-DR/CIITA expression increases there is a corresponding increase in virion attachment. Overall, this work suggests that induction of CIITA expression upon CD4(+) T cell activation contributes to enhanced attachment, infection, virus release, and cell death through an undefined CIITA transcription product that may serve as a new antiviral target.

Class II transactivator (CIITA) enhances cytoplasmic processing of HIV-1 Pr55Gag

Background

The Pr55^gag (Gag) polyprotein of HIV serves as a scaffold for virion assembly and is thus essential for progeny virion budding and maturation. Gag localizes to the plasma membrane (PM) and membranes of late endosomes, allowing for release of infectious virus directly from the cell membrane and/or upon exocytosis. The host factors involved in Gag trafficking to these sites are largely unknown. Upon activation, CD4+ T cells, the primary target of HIV infection, express the class II transcriptional activator (CIITA) and therefore the MHC class II isotype, HLA-DR. Similar to Gag, HLA-DR localizes to the PM and at the membranes of endosomes and specialized vesicular MHC class II compartments (MIICs). In HIV producer cells, transient HLA-DR expression induces intracellular Gag accumulation and impairs virus release.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here we demonstrate that both stable and transient expression of CIITA in HIV producer cells does not induce HLA-DR-associated intracellular retention of Gag, but does increase the infectivity of virions. However, neither of these phenomena is due to recapitulation of the class II antigen presentation pathway or CIITA-mediated transcriptional activation of virus genes. Interestingly, we demonstrate that CIITA, apart from its transcriptional effects, acts cytoplasmically to enhance Pr160^gag-pol (Gag-Pol) levels and thereby the viral protease and Gag processing, accounting for the increased infectivity of virions from CIITA-expressing cells.

Conclusions/Significance

This study demonstrates that CIITA enhances HIV Gag processing, and provides the first evidence of a novel, post-transcriptional, cytoplasmic function for a well-known transactivator.

Relationship of quantitative salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus in mothers to caries status and colonization of mutans streptococci in plaque in their 2.5-year-old children

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of quantitative salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus in mothers with the colonization of mutans streptococci (MS) in plaque and caries status in their 2.5-year-old children. Furthermore, the dynamics of caries status in the children was evaluated in a 2-year follow-up survey.

METHODS

After oral examination of 54 mother-and-child pairs, the saliva samples from the mothers and the plaque samples from the children were collected. The levels (log DNA copies/ml saliva) of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, while MS in the plaque samples were detected using a cultivation method. In addition, 50 of the 54 children participated in a 2-year follow-up survey of caries prevalence.

RESULTS

In the 2.5-year-old children, the percentage of dft-positive subjects and mean number of dft were significantly higher in the MS(+) group when compared with the MS(-) group. Findings from the 2-year follow-up survey indicated that MS(+) subjects had a persistently higher mean number of dft at 4.5 years. The 2.5-year-old children were divided into three groups based on the quantitative levels of salivary S. mutans and S. sobrinus in their mothers: those whose mothers had low levels of S. mutans (<4 log DNA copies/ml) and S. sobrinus (<2) (group 1); those whose mothers had a high level of S. mutans (> or = 4) and low level of S. sobrinus (<2) (group 2); and those whose mothers had high levels of both (> or = 4 and > or = 2, respectively) (group 3). Among the three groups, the percentages of MS(+) and dft-positive children were highest in group 3 and lowest in group 1. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that grouping the mothers based on salivary level of S. mutans and S. sobrinus was an efficient means to predict both MS colonization (OR = 2.96) and prevalence of dental caries (OR = 9.39) in children at 2.5 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

In the 54 mother-and-child pairs tested, the maternal salivary levels of S. mutans and S. sobrinus determined by real-time PCR were significantly related to MS colonization in plaque as well as dental caries in their children at 2.5 years of age. Thus, determination of maternal levels of both organisms using the present cut-off values is proposed as an efficient method to indicate the risks of maternal transmission of MS and childhood dental caries.

Expression of the Streptococcus mutans essential two-component regulatory system VicRK is pH and growth-phase dependent and controlled by the LiaFSR three-component regulatory system

As an inhabitant of the human oral cavity, Streptococcus mutans faces frequent environmental changes. Two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) play a critical role in responding to these changes. Recently, an essential TCS, VicRKX, has been identified. The objective of this study was to identify the environmental signal and bacterial factors regulating the expression of the vicRKX operon. The promoter of the vicRKX operon was fused to a promoterless lacZ reporter gene and introduced into S. mutans UA159. LacZ plate assay identified pH, vancomycin, ampicillin, penicillin G and polymyxin B, but not carbohydrates, as factors affecting expression. Using RNA dot-blotting, high levels of vicR transcript were observed in cells at the mid- and late-exponential phase of growth and in cells grown in media buffered at pH 7.8. Given that vicR expression was pH-dependent, the genes encoding a putative pH-sensing three-component regulatory system (LiaFSR) were deleted. The liaS mutant exhibited upregulation of vicR regardless of the growth condition. The role of VicK, VicX, and the competence-signal peptide (CSP) was also investigated; the results showed that vicR expression was not autoregulated and was downregulated by the CSP in a ComX-independent manner. In conclusion, the expression of vicRKX is influenced by culture pH, growth phase and antibiotic stress, and is regulated by LiaFRS.

Influences of capsule on cell shape and chain formation of wild-type and pcsB mutants of serotype 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae

PcsB is a protein of unknown function that plays a critical role in cell division in Streptococcus pneumoniae and other ovococcus species of Streptococcus. We constructed isogenic sets of mutants expressing different amounts of PcsB in laboratory strain R6 and virulent serotype 2 strain D39 to evaluate its cellular roles. Insertion mutagenesis in parent and pcsB(+) merodiploid strains indicated that pcsB is essential in serotype 2 S. pneumoniae. Quantitative Western blotting of wild-type and epitope-tagged PcsB showed that all PcsB was processed into cell-associated and secreted forms of the same molecular mass and that cell-associated PcsB was moderately abundant and present at approximately 4,900 monomers per cell. Controlled expression and complementation experiments indicated that there was a causative relationship between the severity of defects in cell division and decreasing PcsB amount. These experiments also showed that perturbations of expression of the upstream mreCD genes did not contribute to the cell division defects of pcsB mutants and that mreCD could be deleted. Unexpectedly, capsule influenced the cell shape and chain formation phenotypes of the wild-type D39 strain and mutants underexpressing PcsB or deleted for other genes involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, such as dacA. Underexpression of PcsB did not result in changes in the amounts or composition of lactoyl-peptides, which were markedly different in the R6 and D39 strains, and there was no correlation between decreased PcsB amount and sensitivity to penicillin. Finally, microarray analyses indicated that underexpression of PcsB may generate a signal that increases expression of the VicRK regulon, which includes pcsB.

The CHAP domain of Cse functions as an endopeptidase that acts at mature septa to promote Streptococcus thermophilus cell separation

Cell separation is dependent on cell wall hydrolases that cleave the peptidoglycan shared between daughter cells. In Streptococcus thermophilus, this step is performed by the Cse protein whose depletion resulted in the formation of extremely long chains of cells. Cse, a natural chimeric enzyme created by domain shuffling, carries at least two important domains for its activity: the LysM expected to be responsible for the cell wall-binding and the CHAP domain predicted to contain the active centre. Accordingly, the localization of Cse on S. thermophilus cell surface has been undertaken by immunogold electron and immunofluorescence microscopies using of antibodies raised against the N-terminal end of this protein. Immunolocalization shows the presence of the Cse protein at mature septa. Moreover, the CHAP domain of Cse exhibits a cell wall lytic activity in zymograms performed with cell walls of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Bacillus subtilis and S. thermophilus. Additionally, RP-HPLC analysis of muropeptides released from B. subtilis and S. thermophilus cell wall after digestion with the CHAP domain shows that Cse is an endopeptidase. Altogether, these results suggest that Cse is a cell wall hydrolase involved in daughter cell separation of S. thermophilus.

Transcriptional analysis of gtfB, gtfC, and gbpB and their putative response regulators in several isolates of Streptococcus mutans

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus mutans, a major dental caries pathogen, expresses several virulence genes that mediate its growth, accumulation on tooth surfaces, and acid-mediated tooth demineralization. GtfB and GtfC catalyze the extracellular synthesis of water-insoluble glucan matrix from sucrose, and are essential for accumulation of bacteria in the dental biofilm. GbpB, an essential protein of S. mutans, might also mediate cell-surface interaction with glucan.

AIM/METHODS

In this study, we determined the transcription levels of gtfB, gtfC, and gbpB, and several putative transcriptional response regulators (rr) at different phases of planktonic growth in 11 S. mutans strains.

RESULTS

Activities of gtfB and gtfC were growth-phase dependent and assumed divergent patterns in several strains during specific phases of growth, while gbpB activities appeared to be under modest influence of the growth phase. Transcription patterns of the rr vicR, covR, comE, ciaR, and rr1 were growth-phase dependent and some of these genes were expressed in a highly coordinated way. Each rr, except comE, was expressed by all the strains. Patterns of virulence and regulatory genes were, however, strain-specific.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that mechanisms controlling virulence gene expression are variable among genotypes, providing the notion that the genetic diversity of S. mutans may have important implications for understanding mechanisms that regulate the expression of virulence genes in this species.

Immunoproteomic assay of extracellular proteins in Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus

A proteomic approach combining two-dimensional electrophoresis, Western blot and matrix-assisted laser desorption tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been used to map the extracellular proteins of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) strain ATCC 35246. These bioinformatic technologies facilitated the identification of novel S. zooepidemicus vaccine candidate antigens and therapeutic agents. Despite the limitations posed by the unavailability of complete genome and proteome data for S. zooepidemicus, seven of 15 chosen immunogenic spots were successfully identified as streptococcal proteins (AE1 and AE4 c. 10) from homologous Streptococcus species. Among these, AE6 and AE7 were identified as S. zooepidemicus UDP-N-acetyl-glucosamine pyrophosphorylase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase proteins. In addition, AE4 was determined to be glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Enterococcus faecalis. Following SIGNALIP 3.0 (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/servicess/SignalIP) prediction, data suggested that AE5, AE7 and AE9 contained signal peptides. BLAST (http://www.sanger.ac.uk) results found that nucleotide sequences of all identified proteins shared high homology (> or = 65%) with S. zooepidemicus. The majority of proteins identified in our study remain formally unreported in S. zooepidemicus. However, these proteins serve a vital role in the immune system and reproduction of host species. Therefore, we further evaluated the proteins as vaccine candidates in this study.

Mutans streptococcal infection induces salivary antibody to virulence proteins and associated functional domains

The interplay between mucosal immune responses to natural exposure to mutans streptococci and the incorporation and accumulation of these cariogenic microorganisms in oral biofilms is unclear. An initial approach to explore this question would be to assess the native secretory immunity emerging as a consequence of Streptococcus mutans infection. To this end, we analyzed salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody to mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferase (Gtf) and glucan binding protein B (GbpB) and to domains associated with enzyme function and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II binding in two experiments. Salivas were collected from approximately 45-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats, which were then infected with S. mutans SJ32. Infection was verified and allowed to continue for 2 to 2.5 months. Salivas were again collected following the infection period. Pre- and postinfection salivas were then analyzed for IgA antibody activity using peptide- or protein-coated microsphere Luminex technology. S. mutans infection induced significant levels of salivary IgA antibody to Gtf (P < 0.002) and GbpB (P < 0.001) in both experiments, although the levels were usually far lower than the levels achieved when mucosal immunization is used. Significantly (P < 0.035 to P < 0.001) elevated levels of postinfection salivary IgA antibody to 6/10 Gtf peptides associated with either enzyme function or MHC binding were detected. The postinfection levels of antibody to two GbpB peptides in the N-terminal region of the six GbpB peptides assayed were also elevated (P < 0.031 and P < 0.001). Interestingly, the patterns of the rodent response to GbpB peptides were similar to the patterns seen in salivas from young children during their initial exposure to S. mutans. Thus, the presence of a detectable postinfection salivary IgA response to mutans streptococcal virulence-associated components, coupled with the correspondence between rat and human mucosal immune responsiveness to naturally presented Gtf and GbpB epitopes, suggests that the rat may be a useful model for defining mucosal responses that could be expected in humans. Under controlled infection conditions, such a model could prove to be helpful for unraveling relationships between the host response and oral biofilm development.

Biological functions of glucan-binding protein B of Streptococcus mutans

INTRODUCTION

Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as a major causative agent of dental caries in humans. Bacterial components associated with the adhesion phase of S. mutans include glucosyltransferases, protein antigen C and proteins that bind glucan. At least four glucan-binding proteins (Gbp) have been identified; GbpA, GbpB, GbpC and GbpD.

METHODS

In our previous study, the contributions of GbpA and GbpC to the virulence of S. mutans were investigated; however, the biological function of GbpB and its role in the virulence of S. mutans remain to be elucidated. Using a GbpB-deficient mutant strain (BD1), we demonstrated in the present study that GbpB has a role in the biology of S. mutans.

RESULTS

The growth rate of BD1 was lower than that of other strains, while it was also shown to be less susceptible to phagocytosis and to form longer chains than the parental strain MT8148. In addition, electron microscope observations of the cell surfaces of BD1 showed that the cell-wall layers were obscure.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that GbpB may have an important role in cell-wall construction and be involved in cell separation and cell maintenance.

Discovery of a novel class of highly conserved vaccine antigens using genomic scale antigenic fingerprinting of pneumococcus with human antibodies

Pneumococcus is one of the most important human pathogens that causes life-threatening invasive diseases, especially at the extremities of age. Capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are known to induce protective antibodies; however, it is not feasible to develop CPS-based vaccines that cover all of the 90 disease-causing serotypes. We applied a genomic approach and described the antibody repertoire for pneumococcal proteins using display libraries expressing 15–150 amino acid fragments of the pathogen's proteome. Serum antibodies of exposed, but not infected, individuals and convalescing patients identified the ANTIGENome of pneumococcus consisting of ∼140 antigens, many of them surface exposed. Based on several in vitro assays, 18 novel candidates were preselected for animal studies, and 4 of them showed significant protection against lethal sepsis. Two lead vaccine candidates, protein required for cell wall separation of group B streptococcus (PcsB) and serine/threonine protein kinase (StkP), were found to be exceptionally conserved among clinical isolates (>99.5% identity) and cross-protective against four different serotypes in lethal sepsis and pneumonia models, and have important nonredundant functions in bacterial multiplication based on gene deletion studies. We describe for the first time opsonophagocytic killing activity for pneumococcal protein antigens. A vaccine containing PcsB and StkP is intended for the prevention of infections caused by all serotypes of pneumococcus in the elderly and in children.

Manganese affects Streptococcus mutans virulence gene expression

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Studies of trace metals in drinking water and tooth enamel have suggested a caries-promoting potential for manganese (Mn). Additionally, Mn has been shown to be essential for the expression of mutans streptococci virulence factors such as the glucan-binding lectin (GBL) of Streptococcus sobrinus. The Streptococcus mutans glucan-binding protein (Gbp) GbpC is the functional analogue of the S. sobrinus GBL. S. mutans Gbps have been shown to contribute to biofilm architecture and virulence. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of Mn on the transcription of genes encoding S. mutans Gbps, including gbpC, along with other critical S. mutans virulence genes.

METHODS

Microarray analyses suggested the potential for an Mn effect on Gbp genes. Further investigation of the Mn effects on selected genes was undertaken by performing Northern blots, Western blots, and RT-PCR under conditions of planktonic and biofilm growth in Mn-depleted media or in media containing 50 mircoM Mn.

RESULTS

Mn resulted in increased expression of gbpC and gtfB, and decreased expression of wapA, in both planktonic and biofilm cultures. The expression levels of gbpA and gbpD were also decreased in the presence of Mn, but only in biofilms. The expression of gtfC was increased in the presence of Mn only in planktonic cultures. The spaP gene was expressed more highly in Mn-supplemented planktonic cultures but less in Mn-supplemented biofilms.

CONCLUSION

Mn availability affects the expression of multiple S. mutans genes involved in adhesion and biofilm formation. Furthermore, these effects depend on the growth state of the organism.

Involvement of sensor kinases in the stress tolerance response of Streptococcus mutans

The gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutans is the primary causative agent in the formation of dental caries in humans. The ability of S. mutans to adapt and to thrive in the hostile environment of the oral cavity suggests that this cariogenic pathogen is capable of sensing and responding to different environmental stimuli. This prompted us to investigate the role of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS), particularly the sensor kinases, in response to environmental stresses. Analysis of the annotated genome sequence of S. mutans indicates the presence of 13 putative TCS. Further bioinformatics analysis in our laboratory has identified an additional TCS in the genome of S. mutans. We verified the presence of the 14 sensor kinases by using PCR and Southern hybridization in 13 different S. mutans strains and found that not all of the sensor kinases are encoded by each strain. To determine the potential role of each TCS in the stress tolerance of S. mutans UA159, insertion mutations were introduced into the genes encoding the individual sensor kinases. We were successful in inactivating all of the sensor kinases, indicating that none of the TCS are essential for the viability of S. mutans. The mutant S. mutans strains were assessed for their ability to withstand various stresses, including osmotic, thermal, oxidative, and antibiotic stress, as well as the capacity to produce mutacin. We identified three sensor kinases, Smu486, Smu1128, and Smu1516, which play significant roles in stress tolerance of S. mutans strain UA159.

Regulation of gbpC expression in Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans, the principal causative agent of dental caries, produces four glucan-binding proteins (Gbp) that play major roles in bacterial adherence and pathogenesis. One of these proteins, GbpC, is an important cell surface protein involved in biofilm formation. GbpC is also important for cariogenesis, bacteremia, and infective endocarditis. In this study, we examined the regulation of gbpC expression in S. mutans strain UA159. We found that gbpC expression attains the maximum level at mid-exponential growth phase, and the half-life of the transcript is less than 2 min. Expression from PgbpC was measured using a PgbpC-gusA transcriptional fusion reporter and was analyzed under various stress conditions, including thermal, osmotic, and acid stresses. Expression of gbpC is induced under conditions of thermal stress but is repressed during growth at low pH, whereas osmotic stress had no effect on expression from PgbpC. The results from the expression analyses were further confirmed using semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Our results also reveal that CovR, a global response regulator in many Streptococcus spp., represses gbpC expression at the transcriptional level. We demonstrated that purified CovR protein binds directly to the promoter region of PgbpC to repress gbpC expression. Using a DNase I protection assay, we showed that CovR binds to DNA sequences surrounding PgbpC from bases -68 to 28 (where base 1 is the start of transcription). In summary, our results indicate that various stress conditions modulate the expression of gbpC and that CovR negatively regulates the expression of the gbpC gene by directly binding to the promoter region.

Evidence that accumulation of mutants in a biofilm reflects natural selection rather than stress-induced adaptive mutation

The accumulation of mutant genotypes within a biofilm evokes the controversy over whether the biofilm environment induces adaptive mutation or whether the accumulation can be explained by natural selection. A comparison of the virulence of two strains of the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans showed that rats infected with one of the strains accumulated a high proportion (average, 22%) of organisms that had undergone a deletion between two contiguous and highly homologous genes. To determine if the accumulation of deletion mutants was due to selection or to an increased mutation rate, accumulations of deletion mutants within in vitro planktonic and biofilm cultures and within rats inoculated with various proportions of deletion organisms were quantified. We report here that natural selection was the primary force behind the accumulation of the deletion mutants.

The atlA operon of Streptococcus mutans: role in autolysin maturation and cell surface biogenesis

The Smu0630 protein (AtlA) was recently shown to be involved in cell separation, biofilm formation, and autolysis. Here, transcriptional studies revealed that atlA is part of a multigene operon under the control of at least three promoters. The morphology and biofilm-forming capacity of a nonpolar altA mutant could be restored to that of the wild-type strain by adding purified AtlA protein to the medium. A series of truncated derivatives of AtlA revealed that full activity required the C terminus and repeat regions. AtlA was cell associated and readily extractable from with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Of particular interest, the surface protein profile of AtlA-deficient strains was dramatically altered compared to the wild-type strain, as was the nature of the association of the multifunctional adhesin P1 with the cell wall. In addition, AtlA-deficient strains failed to develop competence as effectively as the parental strain. Mutation of thmA, which can be cotranscribed with atlA and encodes a putative pore-forming protein, resulted in a phenotype very similar to that of the AtlA-deficient strain. ThmA was also shown to be required for efficient processing of AtlA to its mature form, and treatment of the thmA mutant strain with full-length AtlA protein did not restore normal cell separation and biofilm formation. The effects of mutating other genes in the operon on cell division, biofilm formation, or AtlA biogenesis were not as profound. This study reveals that AtlA is a surface-associated protein that plays a critical role in the network connecting cell surface biogenesis, biofilm formation, genetic competence, and autolysis.