Decoding Adenine DNA Methylation Effects in Streptococcus Mutans: Insights Into Self-DNA Protection and Autoaggregation.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans, a key player in dental caries, faces multiple environmental challenges within the oral cavity, including oxidative stress, nutrient scarcity, and acidic pH. To survive and thrive, S. mutans has evolved intricate mechanisms, including the CSP-ComDE quorum sensing system, which coordinates responses to environmental cues. The CSP-ComDE system enables S. mutans to communicate with neighboring cells via its CSP pheromone. Under stress conditions, the CSP pheromone production increases, triggering a cascade of events. Notably, our research demonstrated that the CSP pheromone activates the expression of a Type II restriction-modification (R-M) system. Type II R-M systems are well-known tools in molecular biology and genetic engineering and consist of two distinct enzymes: a

SUBMITTER: Zhao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11904264 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature