A hypothetical protein of Streptococcus mutans is critical for biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT: Inactivation of the Smu0630 gene of Streptococcus mutans resulted in dramatic decreases in biofilm formation, regardless of the carbohydrate source. The Smu0630 protein contained numerous interesting features, including a possible signal sequence and two conserved regions of repeated sequences. Smu0630 may represent a potential target for novel therapeutics.

SUBMITTER: Brown TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1087324 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature