De novo glucan synthesis by mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferases present in pellicle promotes firm binding of Streptococcus gordonii to tooth surfaces |
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Authors: | Takachika Hiroi Kazuo Fukushima Ikuo Kantake Yuji Namiki Tadashi Ikeda |
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Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. |
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Abstract: | Adherence of 3H-labelled cells of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus milleri to artificial pellicles prepared from saliva supplemented with glucosyltransferases from mutants streptococci was examined using a new assay for sucrose-dependent cell-to-pellicle attachment. Results indicate that S. gordonii, but not S. milleri, could attach tightly to hydroxylapatite surfaces through de novo glucan synthesis by mutants streptococcal glucosyltransferases present in the experimental salivary pellicles. |
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Keywords: | Streptococcus mutans Streptococcus gordonii Glucosyltransferase Cellular attachment Pellicle |
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