Cloning of the Streptococcus mutans gene encoding glucan binding protein B and analysis of genetic diversity and protein production in clinical isolates.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of dental caries, produces several activities that promote its accumulation within the dental biofilm. These include glucosyltransferases, their glucan products, and proteins that bind glucan. At least three glucan binding proteins have been identified, and GbpB, the protein characterized in this study, appears to be novel. The gbpB gene was cloned and the predicted protein sequence contained several unusual features and shared extensive homology with a putative peptidoglycan hydrolase from group B streptococcus. Examination of gbpB genes from clinical isolates of S. mutans revealed that DNA polymorphisms, and hence amino acid changes, were limited to the central region of the gene, suggesting functional conservation within the amino and

SUBMITTER: Mattos-Graner RO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC100073 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature