A eukaryotic-type serine/threonine protein kinase is required for biofilm formation, genetic competence, and acid resistance in Streptococcus mutans.
We report an operon encoding a eukaryotic-type serine/threonine protein kinase (STPK) and its cognate phosphatase (STPP) in Streptococcus mutans. Mutation of the gene encoding the STPK produced defects in biofilm formation, genetic competence, and acid resistance, determinants important in caries pathogenesis.
Hussain
Haitham
H
Division of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD, United Kingdom.
Branny
Pavel
P
Allan
Elaine
E
D000143:Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D009154:Mutation; D009876:Operon; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000143:Acids; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases