The complete genome sequence of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterial pathogen commonly
associated with human dental caries, was published in 2002. The streamlined genome (2.03 …

The continuing expansion of interest in probiotic bacteria has led to an increase in
manufactured Functional Foods and medicines containing these bacteria. Given the …

All streptococcal genomes encode the alternative sigma factor SigX and 21 SigX‐dependent
proteins required for genetic transformation, yet no pyogenic streptococci are known to …

Background/aim: Alkali generation by oral bacteria plays a key role in plaque pH
homeostasis and may be a major impediment to the development of dental caries. To …

Streptococcus mutans is considered the primary etiologic agent of dental caries, a global
health problem that affects 60 to 90% of the population, and a leading causative agent of …

The stringent response is a global bacterial response to stress that is mediated by
accumulation of the alarmone (p) ppGpp. In this study, treatment with mupirocin was shown …

Sucrose has long been regarded as the most cariogenic carbohydrate. However, why
sucrose causes severer dental caries than other sugars is largely unknown. Considering …

Natural DNA transformation is a lateral gene transfer mechanism during which bacteria take
up naked DNA from their environment and stably integrate it in their genome. The proteins …

The HtrA proteases degrade damaged proteins and thus control the quality of proteins and
protect cells against the consequences of various stresses; they also recognize specific …

Genetic competence appears to be important in establishment of biofilms and tolerance of
environmental insults. We report here that the development of competence is controlled at …