Streptococcal receptor polysaccharides: recognition molecules for oral biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Strains of viridans group streptococci that initiate colonization of the human tooth surface typically coaggregate with each other and with Actinomyces naeslundii, another member of the developing biofilm community. These interactions generally involve adhesin-mediated recognition of streptococcal receptor polysaccharides (RPS). The objective of our studies is to understand the role of these polysaccharides in oral biofilm development.

Methods

Different structural types of RPS have been characterized by their reactions with specific antibodies and lectin-like adhesins. Streptococcal gene clusters for RPS biosynthesis were identified, sequenced, characterized and compared. RPS-producing bacteria were detected in biofilm samples using specific antibodies and gene pr

SUBMITTER: Yoshida Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2147599 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature