In a previous study, a quorum-sensing signaling system essential for genetic competence in
Streptococcus mutans was identified, characterized, and found to function optimally in …

In many streptococci, including Streptococcus mutans, genetic competence is regulated by a
quorum sensing system mediated by a competence stimulating peptide (CSP) pheromone …

Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of human dental caries, is an obligate
biofilm-forming bacterium. The goals of this study were to identify the gene (s) required for …

In Streptococcus mutans, competence for genetic transformation and biofilm formation are
dependent on the two-component signal transduction system ComDE together with the …

Streptococcus mutans has been strongly implicated as the principal etiological agent in
dental caries. One of the important virulence properties of these organisms is their ability to …

Streptococcus mutans normally colonizes dental biofilms and is regularly exposed to
continual cycles of acidic pH during ingestion of fermentable dietary carbohydrates. The …

Streptococcus mutans has at least six pairs of open reading frames that are homologous to
bacterial two-component regulatory systems. Putative response regulators from five out of …

Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate population
behavior. In several streptococci, quorum sensing mediated by competence-stimulating …

Bacteria in their natural ecosystems preferentially grow as polysaccharide-encased biofilms
attached to surfaces. Although quorum-sensing (QS) systems directing the 'biofilm …

Genetic competence appears to be important in establishment of biofilms and tolerance of
environmental insults. We report here that the development of competence is controlled at …