Decoding gene expression dynamics in planktonic and biofilm cells of Streptococcus mutans: regulation and role of mutanofactin genes in biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic infectious disease globally, with Streptococcus mutans recognized as a primary causative agent due to its acidogenicity and robust biofilm-forming ability. In S. mutans biofilm formation, the role of autoinducers has been extensively studied, while the influence of other small molecules remains largely unexplored. Mutanofactins, a class of polyketide/non-ribosomal lipopeptide secondary metabolites, are emerging as potential modulators of S. mutans biofilm development.

Methods

Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to examine gene expression patterns in S. mutans NMT4863 across distinct growth phases and lifestyles, aiming to identify metabolic factors influencing biofilm formation. Transcript

SUBMITTER: Afzal M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11782227 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature