Root surface caries affects a significant proportion of the aging adult population, and its incidence is on the raise. The etiology of this disease unclear, however some bacteria are isolated from root caries lesions most often: Lactobacilli, Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces. The mechanisms which localize these and other bacteria to the root surface are unknown and therefore effective means of treating root surface caries are poorly developed. We propose that bacteria which are implicated, directly or indirectly, in the etiology of root surface caries, attach to the tissue via specific interactions involving bacterial adhesins on one side and components of the dentin on the other. We will study the interactions of bacteria with the major components of dentin - collagen type I, proteoglycans and phosphophoryn. Fresh clinical isolates of bacteria will be screened for the ability to recognize these ligands, and any interactions will be characterized. We will determine if the expression of particular receptors correlates with the ability of the strain to attach to ligand coated surfaces, or pieces of dentin. Several potential inhibitors of these interactions will be considered - ligands, ligand analogues or fragments, and antibodies against bacterial surface components. Our observations may facilitate future studies on the prevention and treatment of root surface caries, involving not only procedures which kill bacteria (fluoridation, antibacterial dentifrices) but also those which specifically prevent colonization of the tissue by pathogenic species.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03DE010397-01
Application #
3425805
Study Section
NIDCR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Project Start
1992-08-01
Project End
1994-07-31
Budget Start
1992-08-01
Budget End
1993-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
McGrady, J A; Butcher, W G; Beighton, D et al. (1995) Specific and charge interactions mediate collagen recognition by oral lactobacilli. J Dent Res 74:649-57
Switalski, L M; Butcher, W G (1994) An in vitro model for adhesion of bacteria to human tooth root surfaces. Arch Oral Biol 39:155-61
Switalski, L M; Butcher, W G; Caufield, P C et al. (1993) Collagen mediates adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to human dentin. Infect Immun 61:4119-25