title: Streptococcus mutans-derived extracellular matrix in cariogenic oral biofilms.
abstract: Biofilms are highly structured microbial communities that are enmeshed in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Within the complex oral microbiome, Streptococcus mutans is a major producer of extracellular polymeric substances including exopolysaccharides (EPS), eDNA, and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). EPS produced by S. mutans-derived exoenzymes promote local accumulation of microbes on the teeth, while forming a spatially heterogeneous and diffusion-limiting matrix that protects embedded bacteria. The EPS-rich matrix provides mechanical stability/cohesiveness and facilitates the creation of highly acidic microenvironments, which are critical for the pathogenesis of dental caries. In parallel, S. mutans also releases eDNA and LTA, which can contribute with matrix development. eDNA enhances EPS (glucan) synthesis locally, increasing the adhesion of S. mutans to saliva-coated apatitic surfaces and the assembly of highly cohesive biofilms. eDNA and other extracellular substances, acting in concert with EPS, may impact the functional properties of the matrix and the virulence of cariogenic biofilms. Enhanced understanding about the assembly principles of the matrix may lead to efficacious approaches to control biofilm-related diseases.
authors.affiliation: Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Marlise I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.affiliation: Biofilm Research Lab, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Geelsu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Paulo H S
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Osvaldo H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Campanella
authors.affiliation: Biofilm Research Lab, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Hyun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018441:Biofilms; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial
keywords: Streptococcus mutans; biofilms; dental caries; eDNA; exopolysaccharides; extracellular matrix; mechanical stability; spatial heterogeneities