LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans
IntroductionThis study elucidated the critical role of the liaS gene in the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) two-component signal (TCS) transduction system during cross-kingdom interactions with Candida albicans (C. albicans). This gene governs the cariogenic potential of dual-species biofilms.Metho...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Microbiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1612841/full |
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| author | Yanfan Cao Yu Zeng Yuze Yang Guowu Gan Shuai Chen Xiaojing Huang |
| author_facet | Yanfan Cao Yu Zeng Yuze Yang Guowu Gan Shuai Chen Xiaojing Huang |
| author_sort | Yanfan Cao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThis study elucidated the critical role of the liaS gene in the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) two-component signal (TCS) transduction system during cross-kingdom interactions with Candida albicans (C. albicans). This gene governs the cariogenic potential of dual-species biofilms.MethodsGene expression analysis of cocultured samples was performed. The survival rate during H2O2 treatment in single and dual-species was assessed. Bacterial adhesion, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, acidic metabolite accumulation, and early adhesion of C. albicans in dual-species biofilms were evaluated.ResultsCompared with the wild-type (WT) and complemented strains (liaS–-comp), liaS- exhibited impaired acid tolerance due to downregulated comDE expression. The liaS knockout mutant strain also presented reduced vicRK expression, leading to diminished glucosyltransferase (Gtf)-mediated bacterial adhesion, EPS synthesis, and acidic metabolite accumulation. Although C. albicans alleviated oxidative stress by secreting superoxide dismutase, liaS- markedly compromised the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and reduced the survival rate during H2O2 treatment in single and dual-species. Furthermore, liaS- inactivation suppressed the early adhesion of C. albicans in dual-species biofilms by reducing the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).ConclusionThis work provides the first evidence that liaS orchestrates a multidimensional phenotypic regulatory network that coordinately modulates biofilm architecture and metabolic activity. This activity ultimately attenuates cariogenicity in vivo, thus highlighting liaS as a pivotal virulence determinant in cross-kingdom infections and emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target against dental caries. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-da8bf940246f4ed3941e917c030a2ce2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-302X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Microbiology |
| spelling | doaj-art-da8bf940246f4ed3941e917c030a2ce22025-08-20T03:58:35ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Microbiology1664-302X2025-07-011610.3389/fmicb.2025.16128411612841LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicansYanfan CaoYu ZengYuze YangGuowu GanShuai ChenXiaojing HuangIntroductionThis study elucidated the critical role of the liaS gene in the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) two-component signal (TCS) transduction system during cross-kingdom interactions with Candida albicans (C. albicans). This gene governs the cariogenic potential of dual-species biofilms.MethodsGene expression analysis of cocultured samples was performed. The survival rate during H2O2 treatment in single and dual-species was assessed. Bacterial adhesion, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, acidic metabolite accumulation, and early adhesion of C. albicans in dual-species biofilms were evaluated.ResultsCompared with the wild-type (WT) and complemented strains (liaS–-comp), liaS- exhibited impaired acid tolerance due to downregulated comDE expression. The liaS knockout mutant strain also presented reduced vicRK expression, leading to diminished glucosyltransferase (Gtf)-mediated bacterial adhesion, EPS synthesis, and acidic metabolite accumulation. Although C. albicans alleviated oxidative stress by secreting superoxide dismutase, liaS- markedly compromised the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and reduced the survival rate during H2O2 treatment in single and dual-species. Furthermore, liaS- inactivation suppressed the early adhesion of C. albicans in dual-species biofilms by reducing the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).ConclusionThis work provides the first evidence that liaS orchestrates a multidimensional phenotypic regulatory network that coordinately modulates biofilm architecture and metabolic activity. This activity ultimately attenuates cariogenicity in vivo, thus highlighting liaS as a pivotal virulence determinant in cross-kingdom infections and emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target against dental caries.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1612841/fullStreptococcus mutansCandida albicansliaStwo-component systembiofilmextracellular polysaccharide |
| spellingShingle | Yanfan Cao Yu Zeng Yuze Yang Guowu Gan Shuai Chen Xiaojing Huang LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Frontiers in Microbiology Streptococcus mutans Candida albicans liaS two-component system biofilm extracellular polysaccharide |
| title | LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans |
| title_full | LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans |
| title_fullStr | LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans |
| title_full_unstemmed | LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans |
| title_short | LiaS gene from two-component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans |
| title_sort | lias gene from two component system is essential for caries pathogenicity in dual species biofilms of streptococcus mutans and candida albicans |
| topic | Streptococcus mutans Candida albicans liaS two-component system biofilm extracellular polysaccharide |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1612841/full |
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