Identification of Proteins Associated with the Formation of Oral Biofilms

Pablo Alejandro Millones-Gómez,Reyma Evelyn Bacilio Amaranto,Margarita F Requena-Mendizabal,María Isabel Alvino-Vales,Dora Jesús Maurtua Torres,Roger Damaso Calla-Poma,Rubén Calla-Poma

doi:10.1590/pboci.2021.084

Abstract

Objective: To identify proteins associated with the formation of Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilms. Material and Methods: Biofilms composed of two bacterial species, S. gordonii and F. nucleatum, were cultured for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days. The presence of both species was confirmed via amplification of the srtA and radD genes using real-time PCR. The concentrations of proteins associated with the biofilms and individual species were quantified using Western blotting. Results: The protein profiles of S. gordonii and F. nucleatum from individual cultures determined using one-dimensional electrophoresis revealed proteins found in S. gordonii and in F. nucleatum. Ct and reciprocal Ct values were determined for the exposed S. gordonii and F. nucleatum biofilms. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein was detected in biofilms and F. nucleatum, whereas HSP40 protein was present only in biofilms after 7 and 10 days of formation. Conclusion: HSP40 was detected only in the formed biofilms; thus, HSP40 is an essential proteins for adhesion.

Highlights

The bacterial species of the human oral cavity depend on their ability to bind to surfaces or to each other for colonization
Material and Methods: Biofilms composed of two bacterial species, S. gordonii and F. nucleatum, were cultured for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days
Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein was detected in biofilms and F. nucleatum, whereas HSP40 protein was present only in biofilms after 7 and 10 days of formation

Summary

Introduction

The bacterial species of the human oral cavity depend on their ability to bind to surfaces or to each other for colonization. Microbial interactions within these biofilms trigger important physiological changes in the associated species, including expression of virulence characteristics, the physical interaction through specific adhesins is a key element for the successful initiation of surface colonization and biofilm integration [1,2]. Fusobacteria integrate into biofilms by binding to early colonizers attached to the surface, such as streptococci and actinomycetes. Fusobacteria recruit other bacterial species, including early colonizers and important periodontal pathogens that cannot directly attach to surfaces. This characteristic allows fusobacteria to promote changes in the microbial community and impact their pathogenesis [2]

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Conclusion