Bacterial proteins and enzymes in dental biofilm

Bacterial proteins and enzymes in dental biofilm represent a diverse collective of molecular targets essential for the development and virulence of dental plaque. Key enzymes include glucosyltransferases (GTFs) and fructosyltransferases (FTFs), primarily from Streptococcus mutans, which synthesize the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix that anchors the biofilm and protects bacteria from environmental stressors (1.3.2, 1.4.1). Additionally, bacterial adhesins such as Antigen I/II and various proteases (e.g., gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis) facilitate initial attachment and tissue degradation, contributing to the progression of dental caries and periodontal diseases (1.3.2, 1.4.4). Therapeutic interventions target these components through matrix-degrading enzymes like mutanase and DNase, or antimicrobial peptides that disrupt biofilm integrity and bacterial metabolism (1.1.3, 1.5.1). Effective management of these targets is critical for controlling oral infections while attempting to preserve the homeostatic balance of the commensal oral microbiome (1.1.2, 1.5.4).

Other names

Dental plaque proteinsBiofilm matrix enzymesExtracellular polymeric substance (EPS) proteinsCariogenic bacterial enzymesOral biofilm proteins

Inhibition of glucosyltransferases (GTFs) to prevent extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, enzymatic degradation of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix (including polysaccharides, eDNA, and proteins), disruption of bacterial cell membranes, and inhibition of bacterial adhesion to the acquired pellicle or other bacteria (co-aggregation).