Work

Inactivation of the ciaH Gene in Streptococcus mutans Diminishes Mutacin Production and Competence Development, Alters Sucrose-Dependent Biofilm Formation, and Reduces Stress Tolerance

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Many clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans produce peptide antibiotics called mutacins. Mutacin production may play an important role in the ecology of S. mutans in dental plaque. In this study, inactivation of a histidine kinase gene, ciaH, abolished mutacin production. Surprisingly, the same mutation also diminished competence development, stress tolerance, and sucrose-dependent biofilm formation.

Source: Infection and Immunity

DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.8.4895-4899.2004

Authors: Fengxia Qi, Justin Merritt, Renate Lux, Wenyuan Shi

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Oklahoma, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research