Quantitative Proteomics Uncovers the Interaction between a Virulence Factor and Mutanobactin Synthetases in Streptococcus mutans
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Streptococcus mutans is the major bacterium associated with dental caries. In order to thrive on the highly populated tooth surface and cause disease, S. mutans must be able to protect itself from hydrogen peroxide-producing commensal bacteria and compete effectively against the neighboring microbes. S. mutans produces mutacins, small antimicrobial peptides which help control the population of competing bacterial species. In addition, S. mutans produces a peptide called mutanobactin, which offers S. mutans protection against oxidative stress. Here, we uncover a new link between the putative glycosyltransferase SMU_833 and the mutanobactin-synthesizing protein complex through quantitative proteomic analysis and a tandem-affinity protein purification scheme. Furthermore, we show that SMU_833 mediates bacterial sensitivity to oxidative stress and bacterial ability to compete with commensal streptococci. This study has revealed a previously unknown association between SMU_833 and mutanobactin and demonstrated the importance of SMU_833 in the fitness of S. mutans .
Source: mSphere
Institutions: University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W2976963355