Expression analysis of Streptococcus mutans UA159 under Hyperosmotic stress environment
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ABSTRACT: Oral streptococci metabolize carbohydrate to produce organic acids, not only decrease the environmental pH, but also increase osmolality of dental plaque fluid due to tooth demineralization and consequent calcium and phosphate accumulation. Thus, to persevere in the dental plaque, acidogenic bacteria should evolve sophisticated molecular machineries to counter the detrimental effect of elevated osmolality. This study was aimed to obtain a global view on strategies taken by streptococcus mutans to deal with physiologically relevant elevated osmolality, and preserves within a cariogenic dental plaque. We investigated phenotypic change of S. mutans biofilm upon sub-lethal level of hyperosmotic challenge. We found that hyperosmotic condition was able to initiate S. mutans biofilm dispersal by reducing both microbial content and extracellular polysaccharides matrix. We then used DNA microarray with qPCR validation to systemically investigate the underlying molecular machinery of this bacteria in response to hyperosmotic stimuli. Among those identified 50 differentially regulated genes, down-regulation of gtfB and comC were believed to be responsible for the observed biofilm dispersal. Further analysis of microarray data showed significant up-regulation of genes and pathways involved in carbohydrates metabolism. Specific genes involved in heat shock response and acid tolerance were also upregulated, indicating potential cross-talk between hyperosmotic and other environmental stress. Based on the data obtained in this study, we believe that although hyperosmotic condition may induce significant stress response on S. mutans, this cariogenic bacterium has evolved sophisticated molecular machineries to counter those elicited detrimental effects. In the meantime, it will take full advantage of these environmental stimuli to better fit the fluctuating environments within oral cavity, and thus emerge as numeric-predominant bacteria under cariogenic conditions. A six-chip study using total RNA recovered from mid-logarithmic phase of S. mutans UA159 from three separate cultures of strains submitted for 15 minutes to hyperosmotic stimuli (0.4M NaCl) and three separate cultures of strains kept under no stress condition.
ORGANISM(S): Streptococcus mutans UA159
SUBMITTER: Yulong Niu
PROVIDER: E-GEOD-47170 | biostudies-arrayexpress |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress
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