Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Genetic variation in comC, the gene encoding competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) in Streptococcus Mutans

  • Arthur Hosie
    ,
  • Elaine Allan
    ,
  • Haitham A. Hussain
    ,
  • Kevin R. Crawford
    ,
  • Shahjahan Miah
    ,
  • Zoë K. Ascott
  • University College London
    ,
  • King's College London
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

The genetic variability in comC, the gene encoding the quorum-sensing molecule, competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) in Streptococcus mutans is reported. Seven comC alleles encoding three distinct mature CSPs were identified among 36 geographically diverse strains, although, compared with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the amount of predicted amino acid sequence variation is low. In agreement with other studies, significant variation was found in the natural competence for DNA uptake in these strains. However, there was no correlation between the CSP genotype and the ability to transform these strains. Representative strains encoding each of the CSP variants became competent in response to synthetic CSPs of each type. Therefore, in contrast to S. pneumoniae, comC alleles in S. mutans are functionally equivalent and there is no evidence of pherotype specificity.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 47-51

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

FEMS Microbiology Letters (Volume 268, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/01/2007

Publication status

Published - 01/01/2007

ISSN

0378-1097

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/293985
  • Scopus: 33846700986

Access to documents

Publication metrics