Molecular Oral Microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Systematic Analysis of Lysine Succinylation in Streptococcus mutans.","authors":"Ting Tong, Ziyi Yang, Xiaoqiong Li, Qizhao Ma, Tao Gong, Dian Zhang, Jumei Zeng, Yuqing Li","doi":"10.1111/omi.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/omi.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is a novel post-translational modification (PTM), which regulates biological functions in bacteria. Streptococcus mutans has been identified as a predominant cariogenic pathogen responsible for the initiation and progression of dental caries. However, lysine succinylation in S. mutans has not yet been investigated. In this study, a global lysine succinylome was analyzed to examine Ksuc in S. mutans. Overall, 2250 succinylated sites in 580 proteins were identified. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that Ksuc substrates were substantially altered in the biofilm growth state compared with the planktonic growth state. These differentially succinylated proteins were distributed across various cellular components and involved in crucial biological pathways, including translation, ribosomal structure, and biogenesis. Furthermore, lysine acetylation and succinylation extensively overlapped in S. mutans, and these bimodified proteins were associated with biofilm formation, glycolysis, and pyruvate metabolism. These results provided a foundation to further investigate the role of Ksuc in S. mutans pathogenicity and expand our understanding of Ksuc functions in bacterial physiology and virulence.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"e70007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144961761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Streptococcus mutans Collagen-Binding Protein Cnm Is a Multifunctional Adhesin: A Structural Investigation.","authors":"Joshua L Mieher, Norbert Schormann, Ren Wu, Manisha Patel, Sangeetha Purushotham, Jose Lemos, Jacqueline Abranches, Hui Wu, Champion Deivanayagam","doi":"10.1111/omi.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/omi.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The collagen-binding adhesin Cnm is a known virulence factor of Streptococcus mutans. It is present in specific serotypes (mostly e, f, and k strains) of S. mutans and belongs to the LPXTG family of cell wall-anchored surface adhesins. Here, we report the crystal structure of the collagen-binding N₂ domain of S. mutans Cnm. Using the Staphylococcus aureus collagen-binding protein Cna, which shares high sequence and structural homology with Cnm, we modeled collagen binding to S. mutans Cnm. The comparative analysis identified three conserved collagen-binding residues (Y176, F192, N194) and four equivalent residues that are different in their composition (D224, T226, S232, M276). This study also discovered the multifunctional attributes of this protein, where Cnm-FL, Cnm-N_12, and the individual domains of Cnm-N₁ and Cnm-N₂ adhere with high affinity to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains of glycoprotein 340 (Gp340). Protein-protein docking of Cnm-N₂ and SRCR₁ showed the possibility of a shared binding site at the collagen-binding interface of Cnm-N₂. Furthermore, competition experiments using collagen and SRCR₁₂₃ with Cnm-N₂, Cnm-N_12, and Cnm-FL constructs confirmed that collagen and SRCR₁ share a binding site. Subsequent alanine substitution mutagenesis of the predicted collagen-binding residues validated our modeling results, confirming that Y176 and F192 are important residues for collagen and SRCR/Gp340 binding.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"e70005"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144961732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing the Regulatory Effects of Streptococcus mutans Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems for Therapeutic Interventions Against Dental Caries.","authors":"Bingrun Qiu, Yalan Deng, Zhiheng Yi, Yingming Yang, Lei Lei, Tao Hu","doi":"10.1111/omi.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/omi.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Streptococcus mutans is considered the main pathogen causing dental caries and has a strong ability to establish biofilms and respond to environmental stimuli, which are essential for its survival and cariogenicity. Fourteen two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) in S. mutans have been reported to regulate a broad range of physiological processes such as bacterial biofilm formation, acid resistance, competence development, and toxic oxygen metabolite resistance. These systems collectively contribute to the cariogenicity of S. mutans by coordinating adaptive responses to environmental challenges. Among them, the VicRK system has been one of the most extensively studied, with epidemiological evidence linking vicK mutations to increased caries risk in children. Other TCSs, such as ComDE, LiaRS, CiaRH, and the orphan response regulator GcrR, also contribute to cariogenicity regulation. The present review summarizes the regulatory roles of TCSs in virulence traits of S. mutans, with an emphasis on those involved in biofilm formation, which highlights their potential as therapeutic targets to prevent dental caries through biofilm inhibition.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"e70006"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144961728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fretibacterium: Exploring Its Pathogenic Potential in Oral Infectious Diseases.","authors":"Lisha Liang, Pengbo Liu, Dongzhe Song","doi":"10.1111/omi.70004","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral infectious diseases, particularly inflammatory periodontal lesions, exert a substantial impact on healthcare systems and economies, as acknowledged by the World Health Organization. The prevailing consensus attributes the onset of oral infectious diseases to dysbiosis within the intricate oral microbiome. In this context, Fretibacterium-a strictly anaerobic genus whose representative species, Fretibacterium fastidiosum, was classified in 2013 as the third human oral species within the Synergistetes phylum-has garnered attention for its progressive enrichment in periodontitis and distinct abundance profiles in health versus disease. This review synthesizes current knowledge on Fretibacterium's role in periodontal disease, dental caries, endodontic infections, and peri-implantitis, with emphasis on its virulence mechanisms. Then further explore its clinical associations with systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes) and evaluate conventional and emerging therapeutic strategies. By providing evidence-based insights, this work aims to guide clinical management and future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"e70004"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144883204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcriptional Regulon Controlled by Tyrosine Phosphatases in Porphyromonas gingivalis.","authors":"Gatphan Atassi, Kendall S Stocke, Richard J Lamont","doi":"10.1111/omi.70003","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.70003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins in bacteria can control their function and location. PTM of transcriptional regulators and DNA-binding proteins, as well as components of their signaling pathways, can impact gene expression. However, little is known regarding the global impact of tyrosine phosphatases on the bacterial transcriptome. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq of Porphyromonas gingivalis wild type (WT) along with strains Δltp1 and Δphp1 with mutations in the genes encoding the two major tyrosine phosphatases, Ltp1 and Php1, respectively. Moreover, these strains were tested in vitro and in vivo (mouse abscess) conditions. Both the Δltp1 and the Δphp1 mutants exhibited little transcriptional difference to the parental strain when cultured in vitro. In vivo, comparison of the Δphp1 mutant to the WT showed a number of differentially regulated genes (DEGs) associated with transporter systems. In vivo DEGs in Δltp1 included one of the efflux ABC transporter systems also regulated in the Δphp1 mutant; however, the primary biological process populated by DEGs in Δltp1 involved genome stability. Comparison of the WT strain between the in vitro and in vivo condition indicated that DNA metabolic processes, including recombination and transposition, were significantly upregulated in vivo. Hence, a major role of Ltp1 phosphatase activity at the transcriptional level may be control of adaptation to in vivo conditions. Additionally, both Ltp1 and Php1 have common functions in the control of the expression of genes encoding transporter systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"e70003"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144883205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shining Light on Oral Biofilm Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): Probing the Accuracy of In Situ Biogeography Studies.","authors":"Molly Burnside, Jonah Tang, Jonathon L Baker, Justin Merritt, Jens Kreth","doi":"10.1111/omi.12494","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.12494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The oral biofilm has been instrumental in advancing microbial research and enhancing our understanding of oral health and disease. Recent developments in next-generation sequencing have provided detailed insights into the microbial composition of the oral microbiome, enabling species-level analyses of biofilm interactions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been especially valuable for studying the spatial organization of these microbes, revealing intricate arrangements such as \"corncob\" structures that highlight close bacterial interactions. As more genetic sequence data become available, the specificity and accuracy of existing FISH probes used in biogeographical studies require reevaluation. This study examines the performance of commonly used species-specific FISH probes, designed to differentiate oral microbes within in situ oral biofilms, when applied in vitro to an expanded set of bacterial strains. Our findings reveal that the specificity of several FISH probes is compromised, with cross-species hybridization being more common than previously assumed. Notably, we demonstrate that biogeographical associations within in situ oral biofilms, particularly involving Streptococcus and Corynebacterium, may need to be reassessed to align with the latest metagenomic data.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"137-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12213172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143982278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Functional Exhaustion of T Cells in Oral Lichen Planus.","authors":"Xin Chen, Xin-Wen Wu, Ruo-Wen Zhao, Pan Xu, Ping-Yi Zhu, Kai-Lin Tang, Yuan He","doi":"10.1111/omi.12495","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.12495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. Different T-cell subsets play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of OLP. This study aims to reveal the composition and heterogeneity of T cells in the immune microenvironment of OLP using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), thus providing new insights into the pathogenesis of OLP.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Oral mucosal tissues were collected from three OLP patients and three healthy individuals for scRNA-seq. Data were processed using R software for dimensionality reduction, clustering, annotation, proportion analysis, gene expression visualization, and pseudotime analysis. A chronic inflammation model was established by injecting Prevotella melaninogenica bacteria solution into the buccal mucosa of mice. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of OLP-related inflammatory factors (Tnf-α, Il-1b, and Il-6) and the exhaustion marker Pd1. HE and immunofluorescence staining were employed to assess histopathological changes in oral mucosal tissues and the quantity of CD8⁺-exhausted T cells (CD8⁺Tex).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ScRNA-seq results showed a significant increase in T cell numbers in the oral mucosal tissues of OLP patients compared to healthy individuals. The average expression levels of effector molecules (GZMB, PRF1, TNFA, IL2, and IFNG) in CD8⁺ T cells were reduced. The number of CD8⁺Tex significantly increased, and these cells were in the terminal stage of CD8⁺ T-cell differentiation, thereby expressing high levels of terminal exhaustion-related genes (PDCD1, LAG3, and TIGIT). Compared to the control group, the P. melaninogenica chronic inflammation group exhibited epithelial thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria, with significantly upregulated expression of OLP-related inflammatory factors and Pd1. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased CD8⁺Tex in the oral mucosa of OLP patients and P. melaninogenica mice model.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>During the pathogenesis of OLP, the overall ability of T cells to clear antigens is decreased, leading to an inadequate ability to promptly eliminate pathogens and infected cells, which may cause the chronicity of OLP inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"147-157"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suppressive Effects of Kouboku on Methyl Mercaptan Production and Biofilm Formation in Porphyromonas gingivalis.","authors":"Yuri Taniguchi, Kazuhisa Ouhara, Yoko Sato, Mikio Shoji, Yitong Hou, Ruoqi Zhai, Ryousuke Fujimori, Naoya Kuwahara, Tetsuya Tamura, Shinji Matsuda, Noriyoshi Mizuno","doi":"10.1111/omi.12493","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.12493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium responsible for periodontitis, produces several pathogenic factors, including methyl mercaptan, which contribute to the disease. Kouboku (Magnoliaceae), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to suppress methyl mercaptan production from P. gingivalis. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Kouboku on methyl mercaptan production, biofilm formation, P. gingivalis-host cell interactions, and its potential synergistic antibacterial effect with antibiotics. Five standard and five clinically isolated P. gingivalis strains were evaluated. Methyl mercaptan production was measured using OralChroma. The mRNA expression of mgl and fimA, which are involved in methyl mercaptan synthesis and adhesion molecules, was assessed using quantitative PCR. Biofilm formation by P. gingivalis and epithelial cell adhesion were analyzed following treatment with or without Kouboku. Furthermore, the effects of the active ingredients of Kouboku, honokiol, and magnolol, on the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics against P. gingivalis were determined. No significant differences were observed in the suppression of methyl mercaptan production among P. gingivalis strains with different FimA genotypes treated with Kouboku. Moreover, Kouboku inhibited biofilm formation in co-cultures of P. gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as the adhesion of P. gingivalis to gingival epithelial cells through the downregulation of fimA. Treatment with honokiol and magnolol reduced the MICs of ampicillin, gentamicin, erythromycin, and tetracycline against P. gingivalis. These findings demonstrate that Kouboku affects P. gingivalis by modulating its adhesion to other bacteria and host cells, and enhances the antibacterial activity of certain antibiotics.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"128-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12000855/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143523905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Periodontal Lipopolysaccharides on Systemic Health: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Future Directions.","authors":"Wanderson S Santos, Isabelly G Solon, Luiz G S Branco","doi":"10.1111/omi.12490","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.12490","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periodontal diseases, particularly periodontitis, are complex inflammatory conditions caused by interactions between oral microbiota and the host immune response. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from Gram-negative bacteria like Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Porphyromonas gingivalis are key in pathogenesis. This review examines how LPS impacts systemic health through direct invasion, compromised oral barriers, increased vascular permeability, and immune cell transport. LPS triggers inflammation in periodontal tissues, leading to tissue destruction and disease progression. In the bloodstream, LPS contributes to conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Current treatments include mechanical debridement, antibiotics, antimicrobial mouthwashes, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Despite progress, gaps remain in understanding the molecular mechanisms of LPS in systemic diseases. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, the gut-oral axis, biomarkers for early detection, and the lymphatic system's role in LPS dissemination. Maintaining periodontal health is crucial for overall systemic well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"117-127"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142739631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Nitrate and Nitrite Metabolism of Oral Actinomyces and Schaalia Species.","authors":"Tomona Otake, Jumpei Washio, Kazuko Ezoe, Satoko Sato, Yuki Abiko, Kaoru Igarashi, Nobuhiro Takahashi","doi":"10.1111/omi.12492","DOIUrl":"10.1111/omi.12492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Actinomyces naeslundii and Schaalia odontolytica belong to the most predominant nitrite-producing bacteria in the oral microbiome. Nitrite has antibacterial and vasodilatory effects that may contribute to maintaining oral and systemic health. We have previously elucidated the metabolic characteristics of the nitrite-producing activity of oral Veillonella species and the effects of oral environmental factors. However, this is still unknown for Actinomyces and Schaalia species. Furthermore, these bacteria are thought to degrade nitrite. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the effects of environmental factors (pH, oxygen concentration, glucose, lactate, and the presence of nitrate/nitrite during growth) on nitrate and nitrite metabolism of these bacterial species using the type strains. Nitrite was quantified by Griess reagent, and final metabolites were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The nitrite-producing activity of A. naeslundii and S. odontolytica was affected variously by environmental factors. Especially in A. naeslundii, under anaerobic conditions, the activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner with the addition of glucose or lactate and was higher at lower pH when lactate was added. The nitrite-degrading activity of both bacteria was lower than the nitrite-producing activity and was less affected by environmental factors. Metabolites from glucose by A. naeslundii were different with and without nitrate, suggesting that nitrate altered metabolic pathways. The growth was inhibited under anaerobic conditions but promoted under aerobic conditions. These results indicate that the nitrite-producing capacity of the oral microflora must take into account not only the composition and abundance of bacteria but also the variation in metabolic activity due to various environmental factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":18815,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Oral Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":"104-115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11904265/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143256262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}