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Interaction of Streptococcus mutansGlucosyltransferases with Teichoic Acids

Interaction of Streptococcus mutansGlucosyltransferases with Teichoic Acids

Authors :
Kuramitsu, H. K.
Wondrack, L.
McGuinness, M.
Source :
Infection and Immunity; August 1980, Vol. 29 Issue: 2 p376-382, 7p
Publication Year :
1980

Abstract

The Streptococcus mutansGS5 glucosyltransferase activities (both water-soluble and -insoluble glucan-synthesizing fractions) were inhibited by purified lipoteichoic acid. In vitro sucrose-dependent colonization of smooth surfaces by strain GS5 was also markedly reduced in the presence of the amphipathic molecules. The inhibition of soluble glucan synthesis by lipoteichoic acid appeared to be competitive with respect to both sucrose and primer dextran T10. These inhibitory effects were dependent on the presence of the fatty acid components of lipoteichoic acid since deacylated lipoteichoic acids did not inhibit glucosyltransferase activity. However, the deacylated molecules did interact with the enzymes since deacylated lipoteichoic acid partially protected the enzyme activity against heat inactivation and also induced the formation of high-molecular-weight enzyme complexes from the soluble glucan-synthesizing fraction. The presence of teichoic acid in high-molecular-weight aggregates of glucosyltransferase isolated from the culture fluids of strain GS5 was suggested by the detection of polyglycerophosphate in these fractions. In addition to strain GS5, two other organisms containing polyglycerophosphate teichoic acids, Lactobacillus caseiand Lactobacillus fermentum, were demonstrated to bind glucosyltransferase activity. These results are discussed relative to the potential role of teichoic acid-glucosyltransferase interactions in enzyme binding to the cell surface of S. mutansand the formation of high-molecular-weight enzyme aggregates in the culture fluids of the organism.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00199567 and 10985522
Volume :
29
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Infection and Immunity
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs57534914
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.29.2.376-382.1980