Oral bacterial metabolic enzymes

Oral bacterial metabolic enzymes are a heterogeneous group of proteins produced by the oral microbiome that facilitate essential life processes and contribute to the pathogenesis of dental diseases. These enzymes include glucosyltransferases (GTFs), which synthesize extracellular polysaccharides from dietary sucrose to form the dental plaque matrix, and glycolytic enzymes like enolase, which catalyze the production of lactic acid leading to enamel demineralization [Bowen & Koo, 2011; Marquis et al., 2003]. Additionally, proteolytic enzymes such as gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis are involved in the degradation of host tissues and immune evasion in periodontal disease [Potempa et al., 2003]. Therapeutic strategies often target these enzymes to disrupt biofilm integrity or reduce acidogenicity; for instance, fluoride ions directly inhibit enolase activity, while xylitol acts as a competitive inhibitor of bacterial sugar transport systems [Takahashi & Washio, 2011]. Beyond oral health, the metabolic activity of these enzymes is linked to systemic inflammation and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, making them significant targets for both local and systemic health management [Hajishengallis, 2015].

Other names

Oral microbiota enzymesDental plaque enzymesBacterial exoenzymes of the oral cavitySalivary bacterial enzymes

Inhibition of glycolytic enzymes (e.g., enolase), disruption of glucosyltransferase-mediated biofilm synthesis, and competitive inhibition of sugar transport systems.