National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 5R01DE022559-13

Importance of Post-translational modifications in Streptococcus mutans pathophysiology

This NIH grant supports research on the role of post-translational modifications in Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium linked to severe dental caries and systemic infections. The study aims to characterize the protein machinery involved, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.

Description

Oral infection with Streptococcus mutans strains expressing the collagen and laminin binding glycoprotein, Cnm, is intimately associated with severe caries, systemic infections and even auto-immune disorders. We propose to use biochemical, biophysical, genetic and microbiological approaches to characterize the Pgf post-translational protein machinery of S. mutans. These studies are novel in Gram-positive bacteria and can identify new targets to facilitate the development of strategies to reduce the burden not only of dental caries, but also of diseases caused by closely related bacteria.

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