Schematic diagram showing how attachment blockers and detachment signals can be used to prevent cells of periodontal pathogens (Fusobacterium nucleatum) from joining the biofilm on teeth. 

 

Hundreds of species have been identified in the oral biofilms (dental plaque) that cause caries, and quite a lot is known about the sequence of colonization of many of these species. Cell-cell signaling has been implicated in some dental biofilm colonization events.
  Cell-cell communication in bacteria is associated with the accumulation of signal molecules that co-regulate gene transcription (quorum sensing). By holding cells in close proximity in a fluid environment, the biofilm matrix aids cell-cell communication. These signal molecules act at the global level, sometimes across species boundaries; consequently a wide variety of cellular functions are influenced.

 

Practical Implications

  • Understand how cell-cell communication affects biofilm structure and behavior.
  • Employ signal molecule analogs to manipulate or facilitate biofilm formation or removal (schematic).
  • Investigate how these signal molecules interact with other signaling systems in the bacterial cell.

Selected CBE Publications

Signaling