Abstract:

[Abstract] Objective  To detect the differently expressed genes of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans ) cultured in 1.0% glucose and 0.2% glucose. Methods  S. mutans was cultured in 1.0% and 0.2% glucose. The genetic expression of S. mutans under different conditions was detected using gene chips built previously. Results  In 1.0% glucose environment, expressions of 57 S. mutans genes significantly changed compared with 0.2% glucose. Forty-one genes associated with sugar transport and energy metabolism, virulence, pathogenesis, DNA metabolism and regulatory functions were significantly up-regulated. While 16 genes encoding some competence proteins and enzymes related to cellular processes were significantly down-regulated. Conclusion  The environmental glucose affects multiple gene expressions of S. mutans.

Key words: Streptococcus mutans, Gene expression, Gene chip