Identification of salivary mucin MUC7 binding proteins from Streptococcus gordonii

Kesimer M., Kilic N., Mehrotra R., Thornton D. J., Sheehan J. K.

BMC MICROBIOLOGY, vol.9, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 9
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-163
  • Journal Name: BMC MICROBIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: The salivary mucin MUC7 ( previously known as MG2) can adhere to various strains of streptococci that are primary colonizers and predominant microorganisms of the oral cavity. Although there is a growing interest in interaction between oral pathogens and salivary mucins, studies reporting the specific binding sites on the bacteria are rather limited. Identification and characterization of the specific interacting proteins on the bacterial cell surface, termed adhesins, are crucial to further understand host-pathogen interactions.