Work

Role of Arginine Deiminase of Streptococcus cristatus in Porphyromonas gingivalis Colonization

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: The ability to attach to a variety of oral surfaces is an important characteristic of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Previous studies have demonstrated that expression and production of FimA, a major subunit protein of the long fimbriae, is required for P. gingivalis colonization. Here we report that a surface protein, arginine deiminase (ArcA) of Streptococcus cristatus, represses FimA production and inhibits biofilm formation of P. gingivalis. This inhibitory function of ArcA is also observed in the formation of heterotypic P. gingivalis-Streptococcus gordonii biofilms. P. gingivalis is released from streptococcal substrates in the presence of ArcA, likely due to an inhibition of FimA production. This work suggests that ArcA may have the potential to be a specific antibiofilm agent to fight P. gingivalis infections.

Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

DOI: 10.1128/aac.00284-10

Authors: Jie Wu, Hua Xie

Institution: Meharry Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research