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Applied and Environmental Microbiology, May 2005, p. 2372-2380, Vol. 71, No. 5
0099-2240/05/$08.00+0 doi:10.1128/AEM.71.5.2372-2380.2005
Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
LuxS-Based Signaling Affects Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation
Akihiro Yoshida,1*
Toshihiro Ansai,1
Tadamichi Takehara,1 and
Howard K. Kuramitsu2
Division of Community Oral Health Science, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Japan,1
Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 142142
Received 10 August 2004/
Accepted 11 November 2004
Streptococcus mutans is implicated as a major etiological agent in human dental caries, and one of the important virulence properties of this organism is its ability to form biofilms (dental plaque) on tooth surfaces. We examined the role of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) on S. mutans biofilm formation by constructing a GS-5 luxS-null mutant. Biofilm formation by the luxS mutant in 0.5% sucrose defined medium was found to be markedly attenuated compared to the wild type. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that biofilms of the luxS mutant formed larger clumps in sucrose medium compared to the parental strain. Therefore, the expression of glucosyltransferase genes was examined and the gtfB and gtfC genes, but not the gtfD gene, in the luxS mutant were upregulated in the mid-log growth phase. Furthermore, we developed a novel two-compartment system to monitor AI-2 production by oral streptococci and periodontopathic bacteria. The biofilm defect of the luxS mutant was complemented by strains of S. gordonii, S. sobrinus, and S. anginosus; however, it was not complemented by S. oralis, S. salivarius, or S. sanguinis. Biofilm formation by the luxS mutant was also complemented by Porphyromonas gingivalis 381 and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 but not by a P. gingivalis luxS mutant. These results suggest that the regulation of the glucosyltransferase genes required for sucrose-dependent biofilm formation is regulated by AI-2. Furthermore, these results provide further confirmation of previous proposals that quorum sensing via AI-2 may play a significant role in oral biofilm formation.
* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Division of Community Oral Health Science, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu 803-8540, Japan. Phone: 81-93-582-1131. Fax: 81-93-591-7736. E-mail:
akihiro{at}kyu-dent.ac.jp.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, May 2005, p. 2372-2380, Vol. 71, No. 5
0099-2240/05/$08.00+0 doi:10.1128/AEM.71.5.2372-2380.2005
Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
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