Nonulosonic acids contribute to the pathogenicity of the oral bacterium Tannerella forsythia.

ABSTRACT: Periodontitis is a polymicrobial, biofilm-caused, inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues. It is not only the leading cause of tooth loss worldwide, but can also impact systemic health. The development of effective treatment strategies is hampered by the complicated disease pathogenesis which is best described by a polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis model. This model classifies the Gram-negative anaerobe Tannerella forsythia as a periodontal pathogen, making it a prime candidate for interference with the disease. Tannerella forsythia employs a protein O-glycosylation system that enables high-density display of nonulosonic acids via the bacterium's two-dimensional crystalline cell surface layer. Nonulosonic acids are sialic acid-like sugars which ar

SUBMITTER: Bloch S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6388019 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature