Selenomonas sputigena acts as a pathobiont mediating spatial structure and biofilm virulence in early childhood caries.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as the primary pathogen in childhood caries (tooth decay). While the role of polymicrobial communities is appreciated, it remains unclear whether other microorganisms are active contributors or interact with pathogens. Here, we integrate multi-omics of supragingival biofilm (dental plaque) from 416 preschool-age children (208 males and 208 females) in a discovery-validation pipeline to identify disease-relevant inter-species interactions. Sixteen taxa associate with childhood caries in metagenomics-metatranscriptomics analyses. Using multiscale/computational imaging and virulence assays, we examine biofilm formation dynamics, spatial arrangement, and metabolic activity of Selenomonas sputigena, Prevotella salivae and Leptotrichia wadei, either indiv

SUBMITTER: Cho H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10202936 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature