What is glucan binding protein?

Glucan-binding protein A (GbpA; 563 amino acids, 59kDa) was the first protein discovered and, along with the recently discovered GbpD (726 amino acids, 76kDa), contains similar carboxyl terminal repeats to those that make up the glucan binding domain of the Gtf Enzymes (Banas et al., 1990;Shah & Russell, 2004).

How does Streptococcus mutans adhere to teeth?

mutans adhere to the primary colonizers by cell-to-cell interactions. Subsequent bacterial growth on tooth surface leads to formation of biofilm on the teeth, also called dental plaque [5,7].

What are the virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans?

Streptococcus mutans is the principal etiological agent of human dental caries. The major virulence factors of S. mutans are acid production, acid tolerance, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis and biofilm formation.

What is unique about Streptococcus mutans?

Three key traits have evolved in S. mutans and increased its virulence by enhancing its adaptability to the oral cavity: increased organic acid production, the capacity to form biofilms on the hard surfaces of teeth, and the ability to survive and thrive in a low pH environment.

What are the virulence factors of Clostridium botulinum?

Virulence factors The most detrimental and only virulence factor C. botulinum has is its neurotoxin. It targets the peripheral nervous system and has similar functions to that of the tetanus toxin [6].. The Botulinum toxin is synthesized as a single peptide chain by the organism.

Is beta-glucan a protein?

After ingestion, β-glucans gradually passes into the first section of small intestine (duodenum) and are trapped by macrophage receptors located on intestinal wall. These receptors are protein in nature and are produced by bone marrow [41].

What is the name of the glucan?

Glucans are polysaccharides derived from glucose monomers. The monomers are linked by glycosidic bonds. Four types of glucose-based polysaccharides are possible: 1,6- (starch), 1,4- (cellulose), 1,3- (laminarin), and 1,2-bonded glucans.

What is the role of glucan in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus mutans?

Glucan plays a central role in sucrose-dependent biofilm formation by the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans. This organism synthesizes several proteins capable of binding glucan. These are divided into the glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) that catalyze the synthesis of glucan and the non-Gtf glucan-binding proteins (Gbps).

Do glucan-binding proteins contribute to the cariogenicity of Staphylococcus mutans?

We hypothesized that three of these glucan-binding proteins (Gbps), Gbps A, C and D, contribute to the cariogenicity of S. mutans. A specific pathogen-free rat model was used to compare the cariogenicity of S. mutans UA130 and a panel of mutants with individual or multiple gbp gene deletions.

What is the role of glucan in sucrose-dependent biofilm formation?

Glucan plays a central role in sucrose-dependent biofilm formation by the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans. This organism synthesizes several proteins capable of binding glucan.

What is Streptococcus mutans used for in dentistry?

Streptococcus mutans is a principal etiologic agent in the development of dental caries due to its exceptional aciduric and acidogenic properties, and its ability to adhere and accumulate in large numbers on tooth surfaces in the presence of sucrose.