Open AccessThe VicRK Two-Component System Regulates Streptococcus mutans Virulence
Author(s) -
Lei Lei,
Long Li,
Xin Yang,
Yang Qiu,
Yanglin Zeng,
Tao Hu,
Shida Wang,
Yuqing Li
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
current issues in molecular biology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.835
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1467-3045
pISSN - 1467-3037
DOI - 10.21775/cimb.032.167
Subject(s) - streptococcus mutans , biofilm , regulon , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , operon , biology , signal transduction , two component regulatory system , regulator , regulation of gene expression , biochemistry , genetics , gene , bacteria , escherichia coli , mutant
Streptococcus mutans is considered the predominant etiological agent of dental caries with the ability to form biofilm on the tooth surface. And, its abilities to obtain nutrients and metabolize fermentable dietary carbohydrates to produce acids contribute to its pathogenicity. The responses of S. mutans to environmental stresses are essential for its survival and role in cariogenesis. The VicRK system is one of the 13 putative TCS of S. mutans . The conserved functions of the VicRK signal transduction system is the key regulator of bacterial oxidative stress responses, acidification, cell wall metabolism, and biofilm formation. In this paper, it was discussed how the VicRK system regulates S. mutans virulence including bacterial physiological function, operon structure, signal transduction, and even post-transcriptional control in its regulon. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of the VicRK regulatory networks in S. mutans may strengthen our understandings aimed at providing a basis for the prevention of dental caries.