Investigation of simulated microgravity effects on Streptococcus mutans physiology and global gene expression
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Astronauts have been previously shown to exhibit decreased salivary lysozyme and increased dental calculus and gingival inflammation in response to space flight, host factors that could contribute to oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis. However, the specific physiological response of caries-causing bacteria such asStreptococcus mutansto space flight and/or ground-based simulated microgravity has not been extensively investigated. In this study, high aspect ratio vesselS. mutanssimulated microgravity and normal gravity cultures were assessed for changes in metabolite and transcriptome profiles, H2O2resistance, and competence in sucrose-containing biofilm media. Stationary phaseS. mutanssimulated microgravity cultures displayed increased killing by H2O2compared to normal gravity control cultures, but competence was not affected. RNA-seq analysis revealed that expression of 153 genes was up-regulated ≥2-fold and 94 genes down-regulated ≥2-fold during simulated microgravity high aspect ratio vessel growth. These included a number of genes located on extrachromosomal elements, as well as genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, translation, and stress responses. Collectively, these results suggest that growth under microgravity analog conditions promotes changes inS. mutansgene expression and physiology that may translate to an altered cariogenic potential of this organism during space flight missions.
Source: npj Microgravity
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,690
OpenAlex ID: W2572220801