Amyloid Aggregation of Streptococcus mutans Cnm Influences Its Collagen-Binding Activity.

The gene, coding for the glycosylated collagen- and laminin-binding surface adhesin Cnm, is found in the genomes of approximately 20% of Streptococcus mutans clinical isolates and is associated with systemic infections and increased caries risk. Other surface-associated collagen-binding proteins of S. mutans, such as P1 and WapA, have been demonstrated to form an amyloid quaternary structure with functional implications within biofilms.

Characterization of the pgf operon involved in the posttranslational modification of Streptococcus mutans surface proteins.

Protein glycosylation has been described as the most abundant and complex post-translational modification occurring in nature. Recent studies have enhanced our view of how this modification occurs in bacteria highlighting the role of protein glycosylation in various processes such as biofilm formation, virulence and host-microbe interactions. We recently showed that the collagen- and laminin-binding adhesin Cnm of the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans is post-translationally modified by the PgfS glycosyltransferase.

Whole genome sequence and phenotypic characterization of a Cbm serotype e strain of Streptococcus mutans.

We report the whole genome sequence of the serotype e Cbm strain LAR01 of Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen frequently associated with extra-oral infections. The LAR01 genome is a single circular chromosome of 2.1 Mb with a GC content of 36.

Pro-inflammatory Analysis of Macrophages in Contact with Titanium Particles and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

During insertion of titanium dental implants, particles may shear from the implant to the periimplant region causing osteolysis, and their association with bacteria can exacerbate the inflammatory reaction. However, the association of a high invasive bacterium from the oral cavity, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and titanium particles remains unknown. This study evaluated pro-inflammatory reaction of human macrophages in contact with micro and nanoparticles of titanium associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS).

Model of Human Aortic Valve Bacterial Colonization.

The interaction of pathogens with host tissues is a key step towards successful colonization and establishment of an infection. During bacteremia, pathogens can virtually reach all organs in the human body (, heart, kidney, spleen) but host immunity, blood flow and tissue integrity generally prevents bacterial colonization. Yet, patients with cardiac conditions (, congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis, calcific aortic stenosis, prosthetic valve recipients) are at a higher risk of bacterial infection.