Bacterial glycolytic enzymes

Bacterial glycolytic enzymes in dental biofilm are a collective group of metabolic proteins, including enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase, that facilitate the fermentation of dietary sugars into organic acids (Takahashi & Nyvad, 2011, Journal of Dental Research). This metabolic pathway is a primary virulence factor for cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, as the resulting lactic acid lowers the local pH and triggers the demineralization of tooth enamel (Selwitz et al., 2007, The Lancet). These enzymes are essential for the energy production and survival of acidogenic microbes within the complex architecture of the oral biofilm. Therapeutic strategies often target these enzymes to curtail acid production and disrupt bacterial metabolism; for instance, fluoride ions are well-known inhibitors of bacterial enolase, effectively reducing the glycolytic flux (Marquis et al., 2003, Canadian Journal of Microbiology). Additionally, sugar alcohols like xylitol can interfere with the transport and phosphorylation of sugars, effectively stalling the glycolytic pathway (Trahan, 1995, International Dental Journal). By modulating the activity of these enzymes, clinicians can control the pathogenicity of the dental biofilm and prevent the progression of tooth decay.

Other names

Glycolytic pathway enzymesOral biofilm metabolic enzymesCariogenic bacterial enzymesBacterial acidogenic enzymes

Inhibition of specific enzymes such as enolase and lactate dehydrogenase, and disruption of the phosphoenolpyruvate-mediated phosphotransferase system (PEP-PTS), leading to reduced lactic acid production and bacterial growth inhibition.