Sang-Joon Ahn

TL;DR: It is reported here that the development of competence is controlled at multiple levels in a complex network that includes two signal-transducing two-component systems (TCS) and that S. mutans integrates multiple environmental signals through CiaHR and ComDE to coordinate induction of com genes and that CiaH can exert its influence through CIAR and as-yet-unidentified regulators.

TL;DR: Analysis of the core genome suggested that among 73 genes present in all isolates of S. mutans but absent in other species of the mutans taxonomic group, the majority can be associated with metabolic processes that could have contributed to the successful adaptation of the species to its new niche, the human mouth, and with the dietary changes that accompanied the onset of human agriculture.

TL;DR: A potent ability of salivary constituents to moderate biofilm formation by S. mutans through P1-dependent and P1 -independent pathways is disclosed.

TL;DR: These results suggest that the presence of specific oral bacteria differentially affects biofilm formation and virulence gene expression by S. mutans.

TL;DR: The central role of AtlA and VicK in orchestrating growth on surfaces and envelope biogenesis in response to redox conditions is illustrated by Inactivation of the atlA gene alleviated repression of biofilm formation in the presence of oxygen.