title: Extracellular DNA in oral microbial biofilms.
abstract: The extracellular matrix of microbial biofilms is critical for surface adhesion and nutrient homeostasis. Evidence is accumulating that extracellular DNA plays a number of important roles in biofilm integrity and formation on hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity. Here, we summarise recent developments in the field and consider the potential of targeting DNA for oral biofilm control.
authors: School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, UK. Electronic address: nick.jakubovics@newcastle.ac.uk.
authors: Nicholas S
authors: NS
authors: Jakubovics
authors: School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: J Grant
authors: JG
authors: Burgess
mesh_terms: D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial
keywords: Biofilm matrix; Competence; Dental plaque; Membrane vesicles; Oral streptococci; eDNA