Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Propolis Reduces the Expression and Activity of Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferases at Subinhibitory Concentrations.
Tooth decay is an infectious disease, whose main causative agent identified is Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Diverse treatments have been used to eradicate this microorganism, including propolis. To date, it has been shown that polyphenols from Chilean propolis inhibit S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are unclear. In the present study, we assessed the effect of Chilean propolis on the expression and activity of the glycosyltransferases enzymes and their related genes. Polyphenol-rich extract from propolis inhibited gene expression of glycosyltransferases (GtfB, GtfC, and GtfD) and their related regulatory genes, for example, VicK, VicR, and CcpA. Moreover, the treatment inhibited glucosyltransferases activity measured by the formation of sucrose-derived glucans. Additionally, an inhibitory effect was observed in the expression of SpaP involved in sucrose-independent virulence of S. mutans. In summary, our results suggest that Chilean propolis has a dose-dependent effect on the inhibition of genes involved in S. mutans virulence and adherence through the inhibition of glucosyltransferases, showing an anticariogenic potential of polyphenols from propolis beyond S. mutans growth inhibition.
Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Campus Los Leones, Lota 2465, 7510157 Providencia, Santiago, Chile.
Jorge Jesús
JJ
Veloz
Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
Nicolás
N
Saavedra
Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145 Temuco, Chile.
Marysol
M
Alvear
Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
Tomás
T
Zambrano
Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
Leticia
L
Barrientos
Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
Luis A
LA
Salazar
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D002677:Chile; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D011429:Propolis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology
D059808:Polyphenols; D011429:Propolis; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C113848:glucosyltransferase D