Chemical tags on Streptococcus mutans that affect tooth decay
Importance of Post-translational modifications in Streptococcus mutans pathophysiology
This project looks at whether sugar and phosphate tags on the tooth-decay bacterium Streptococcus mutans change how it sticks to teeth and causes cavities in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map chemical changes on a key bacterial protein (Cnm) using mass spectrometry and other lab methods. They will make bacterial mutants that lack specific glycosylation or phosphorylation enzymes and test how those changes alter adhesion and virulence. The team will study genes named pgfS, pgfM1, pgfE and pgfM2 that help add these tags and examine effects in laboratory and animal models. Results aim to reveal how these modifications change the bacterium's behavior and links to severe cavities and related infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with frequent or severe dental caries, or those known to carry Cnm-positive S. mutans strains, would be most connected to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tooth decay is driven mainly by other bacteria or purely by diet and hygiene factors may see little direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent or reduce severe tooth decay and S. mutans-related infections.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary mass-spectrometry and genetic lab studies have shown these modifications exist, but translating that knowledge into patient treatments is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abranches, Jacqueline — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Abranches, Jacqueline
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.