title: Subgingival colonization by Porphyromonas gingivalis.
abstract: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobe, is a major causative agent in the initiation and progression of severe forms of periodontal disease. In order to cause periodontal disease, P. gingivalis must colonize the subgingival region, a process that involves several distinct steps and multiple gene products. The organism must first navigate within the oral fluids in order to reach the hard or soft tissues of the mouth. Retention and growth of bacteria on these surfaces is facilitated by a repertoire of adhesins including fimbriae, hemagglutinins and proteinases. Once established subgingivally, P. gingivalis cells participate in intercellular communication networks with other oral prokaryotic cells and with eukaryotic cells. The establishment of these multiple interactive interfaces can lead to biofilm formation, invasion of root dentin and internalization within gingival epithelial cells. The resulting bacterial and host cellular locations, products and fate contribute to the success of P. gingivalis in colonizing the periodontal region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Box 357132, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7132, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lamont
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Jenkinson
mesh_terms: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D016866:Bacteroidaceae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005881:Gingiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000502:physiology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins