title: The exopolysaccharide matrix: a virulence determinant of cariogenic biofilm.
abstract: Many infectious diseases in humans are caused or exacerbated by biofilms. Dental caries is a prime example of a biofilm-dependent disease, resulting from interactions of microorganisms, host factors, and diet (sugars), which modulate the dynamic formation of biofilms on tooth surfaces. All biofilms have a microbial-derived extracellular matrix as an essential constituent. The exopolysaccharides formed through interactions between sucrose- (and starch-) and Streptococcus mutans-derived exoenzymes present in the pellicle and on microbial surfaces (including non-mutans) provide binding sites for cariogenic and other organisms. The polymers formed in situ enmesh the microorganisms while forming a matrix facilitating the assembly of three-dimensional (3D) multicellular structures that encompass a series of microenvironments and are firmly attached to teeth. The metabolic activity of microbes embedded in this exopolysaccharide-rich and diffusion-limiting matrix leads to acidification of the milieu and, eventually, acid-dissolution of enamel. Here, we discuss recent advances concerning spatio-temporal development of the exopolysaccharide matrix and its essential role in the pathogenesis of dental caries. We focus on how the matrix serves as a 3D scaffold for biofilm assembly while creating spatial heterogeneities and low-pH microenvironments/niches. Further understanding on how the matrix modulates microbial activity and virulence expression could lead to new approaches to control cariogenic biofilms.
authors.affiliation: Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Falsetta
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Klein
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment / Q000502:physiology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial
keywords: Streptococcus mutans; dental caries; extracellular matrix; glucosyltransferases; heterogeneity; pH microenvironment
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