Work

Identification of a signalling molecule involved in bacterial intergeneric communication

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: The development of complex multispecies communities such as biofilms is controlled by interbacterial communication systems. We have previously reported an intergeneric communication between two oral bacteria, Streptococcus cristatus and Porphyromonas gingivalis, that results in inhibition of fimA expression. Here, we demonstrate that a surface protein, arginine deiminase (ArcA), of S. cristatus serves as a signal that initiates intergeneric communication. An ArcA-deficient mutant of S. cristatus is unable to communicate with P. gingivalis. Furthermore, arginase activity is not essential for the communication, and ArcA retains the ability to repress expression of fimA in the presence of arginine deiminase inhibitors. These results present a novel mechanism by which intergeneric communication in dental biofilms is accomplished.

Source: Microbiology

DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/009050-0

Authors: Hua Xie, Xinghua Lin, Bing-Yan Wang, Jie Wu, Richard J. Lamont

Institutions: Meharry Medical College, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Awards: Intergeneric Signaling Molecules of S. cristatus, G679332891, Molecular Aspects of Oral Plaque Formation