title: Polycarboxylates inhibit the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus sobrinus.
abstract: Polycarboxylates, such as carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronan, were found to be reversible inhibitors of the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus sobrinus. When the carboxylate groups were coupled to ethylenediamine, or reduced with carbodiimide-borohydride, inhibitory powers were lost. Similarly, N-deacetylated hyaluronan had poor inhibitory powers, probably due to the introduction of positive charges into the polymer. Other polymers, such as chondroitin sulfates, dextran sulfate, fetuin, heparin were not inhibitors. It appears that inhibition is based on repeating carboxylates, free of influence from ammonium groups. Such polymers have the property of complexing with metals. Earlier studies had concluded that the streptococcal lectin depended on manganese for activity. It is likely the carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronan perturb essential metal coordination centers in the lectin. Polycarboxylates may have value in oral health care by acting on glucan-dependent microbial adhesion and biofilm formation.
authors: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Health Sciences Center, KY 40292, USA.
authors: C T
authors: CT
authors: Goh
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Taweechaisupapong
authors: K G
authors: KG
authors: Taylor
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Doyle
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002236:Carbohydrate Conformation; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005936:Glucans / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007700:Kinetics; D037102:Lectins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D016986:Streptococcus sobrinus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D005936:Glucans; D037102:Lectins; C082429:glucan-binding lectin, Streptococcus sobrinus; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium