Journal Article

Post-translational modifications via serine/threonine phosphorylation and GpsB in Streptococcus mutans

Shields, Robert C., Chudal, Sangam, Dover, Courtney, Haydt, Tiffany, King, Shawn M.

2025

Overview

This research is important because it helps us understand how a common cavity-causing bacterium, Streptococcus mutans , controls its basic life functions. We discovered that a specific type of switch, called O -phosphorylation, is widespread in these bacteria and plays a crucial role in processes like how they grow, divide, and use sugar. We also investigated a key protein called GpsB that acts like a conductor, ensuring these switches work correctly. When GpsB function is disrupted, the bacteria struggle to survive, particularly due to problems with a critical cell division protein called DivIVA. However, we also found that the bacteria can sometimes overcome this problem by developing a “rescue” mutation in the PppL switch, which helps restore the correct function of DivIVA. Understanding these intricate control mechanisms is vital. It could lead to new ways to fight tooth decay by targeting these bacterial “switches” and their controllers, ultimately making it harder for S. mutans to cause cavities.

• Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
• Subject: Bacterial Proteins - genetics / Bacterial Proteins - metabolism / Genomics and Proteomics / Microbial Physiology and Genetics / Model Organisms / Phosphorelay Systems / Phosphorylation / Post-Translational Modifications / Protein Modification / Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases - genetics / Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases - metabolism / Protein Synthesis / Proteomics - methods / Research Article / Serine - metabolism / Signal Transduction / Streptococcus mutans - genetics / Streptococcus mutans - metabolism / Streptococcus Species / Threonine - metabolism