This application will continue to examine the molecular basis for the virulence of spirochetes. Utilizing Treponema denticola mutants constructed in the previous grant period, the respective roles of motility, chemotaxis, and protease activity in the formation of biofilms will be investigated. In addition, a RNA differential display approach will be used to identify genes, which are involved in colonization of solid surfaces, preformed biofilms of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, and host cell surfaces. These approaches will help to define the mechanisms, which oral spirochetes utilize in colonizing the subgingival margin. Furthermore, since penetration of tissue barriers by spirochetes appears to be an important virulence factor of these organisms, the molecular basis for this property will be examined in T denticola. Using the HUVEC transcytosis system, genes of the spirochete, which are involved in tissue penetration, will be identified using genetic approaches. It will then be of interest to determine if the syphilitic organism T pallidum utilizes a homologous set of genes to invade tissue. In addition, if the later organism utilizes species-specific invasion genes, the hypothesis that oral spirochetes, which are related to T. pallidum, may play a role in periodontitis will be examined. These approaches should increase understanding of the molecular basis for the pathogenicity of spirochetes.
| He, X; Lux, R; Kuramitsu, H K et al. (2009) Achieving probiotic effects via modulating oral microbial ecology. Adv Dent Res 21:53-6 |
| Cameron, Caroline E; Kuroiwa, Janelle M Y; Yamada, Mitsunori et al. (2008) Heterologous expression of the Treponema pallidum laminin-binding adhesin Tp0751 in the culturable spirochete Treponema phagedenis. J Bacteriol 190:2565-71 |
| Kuramitsu, Howard K; He, Xuesong; Lux, Renate et al. (2007) Interspecies interactions within oral microbial communities. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 71:653-70 |
| Han, Yiping W; Ikegami, Akihiko; Rajanna, Chythanya et al. (2005) Identification and characterization of a novel adhesin unique to oral fusobacteria. J Bacteriol 187:5330-40 |
| Yamada, Mitsunori; Ikegami, Akihiko; Kuramitsu, Howard K (2005) Synergistic biofilm formation by Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. FEMS Microbiol Lett 250:271-7 |
| Kuramitsu, Howard K; Chen, Wen; Ikegami, Aki (2005) Biofilm formation by the periodontopathic bacteria Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. J Periodontol 76:2047-51 |
| Ishihara, Kazuyuki; Kuramitsu, Howard K; Okuda, Katsuji (2004) A 43-kDa protein of Treponema denticola is essential for dentilisin activity. FEMS Microbiol Lett 232:181-8 |
| Ikegami, Akihiko; Honma, Kiyonobu; Sharma, Ashu et al. (2004) Multiple functions of the leucine-rich repeat protein LrrA of Treponema denticola. Infect Immun 72:4619-27 |
| Chauhan, Sarita; Kuramitsu, Howard K (2004) Sequence analysis of plasmid pTS1 isolated from oral spirochetes. Plasmid 51:61-5 |
| Vesey, Peter M; Kuramitsu, Howard K (2004) Genetic analysis of Treponema denticola ATCC 35405 biofilm formation. Microbiology 150:2401-7 |
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