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Structure and mechanism of biosynthesis of Streptococcus mutans cell wall polysaccharide

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey S. Rush

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Svetlana Zamakhaeva

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Nicholas R. Murner

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Pan Deng

    (University of Kentucky
    Soochow University)

  • Andrew J. Morris

    (University of Kentucky
    University of Arkansas for Medical Science and Central Arkansas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System)

  • Cameron W. Kenner

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Ian Black

    (University of Georgia)

  • Christian Heiss

    (University of Georgia)

  • Parastoo Azadi

    (University of Georgia)

  • Konstantin V. Korotkov

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Göran Widmalm

    (Stockholm University)

  • Natalia Korotkova

    (University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky)

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans, the causative agent of human dental caries, expresses a cell wall attached Serotype c-specific Carbohydrate (SCC) that is critical for cell viability. SCC consists of a polyrhamnose backbone of →3)α-Rha(1 → 2)α-Rha(1→ repeats with glucose (Glc) side-chains and glycerol phosphate (GroP) decorations. This study reveals that SCC has one predominant and two more minor Glc modifications. The predominant Glc modification, α-Glc, attached to position 2 of 3-rhamnose, is installed by SccN and SccM glycosyltransferases and is the site of the GroP addition. The minor Glc modifications are β-Glc linked to position 4 of 3-rhamnose installed by SccP and SccQ glycosyltransferases, and α-Glc attached to position 4 of 2-rhamnose installed by SccN working in tandem with an unknown enzyme. Both the major and the minor β-Glc modifications control bacterial morphology, but only the GroP and major Glc modifications are critical for biofilm formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey S. Rush & Svetlana Zamakhaeva & Nicholas R. Murner & Pan Deng & Andrew J. Morris & Cameron W. Kenner & Ian Black & Christian Heiss & Parastoo Azadi & Konstantin V. Korotkov & Göran Widmalm & N, 2025. "Structure and mechanism of biosynthesis of Streptococcus mutans cell wall polysaccharide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56205-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56205-1
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