Influence of Streptococcus mutans luxS gene on polysaccharide matrix metabolism

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Streptococcus mutans luxS gene on polysaccharide matrix metabolism.METHODS: Based on the immobilization of magnetic beads by adherent cells,an assay of biofilm quantitative analysis was developed for the kinetic quantification of biofilm formation.S.mutans luxS gene mutant strain and wild-type strain were compared for their ability of utilizing exogenous carbohydrate to form extracellular polysaccharide matrix.SPSS 10.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.Dunnet t two-side test of one factor analysis of variance was performed.RESULTS: Both luxS mutant strain and wild-type strain could use exogenous carbohydrate to form polysaccharide matrix.With 1% sucrose added,both strains completed their biofilm formation within one hour.When adding 1% glucose,these strains also accelerated the formation of biofilm,and this was more significant in the mutant strain.CONCLUSIONS: The luxS gene of S.mutans can regulate its extracellular polysaccharide matrix metabolism.Moreover,the regulation of this gene on biofilm formation is more probably via polysaccharide matrix pathway.