Characterization of two-component systems involved in virulence of Streptococcus mutans

Two-component systems (TCS) are ubiquitous among bacteria. They are among the most elegant and effective sensing systems in nature. They allow for an efficient response to rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this study we investigated the biochemical characteristics of three TCS that allow Streptococcus mutans to thrive in the oral cavity. The ComDE, VicRK and CiaRH TCS regulate the expression of overlapping gene products that govern virulence traits of S. mutans. Here I present evidence of kinase activity for ComD. I expanded the VicR regulon in one of the largest binding studies of its kind in S. mutans. I also dissected the binding requirements of the recognition sequences for the response regulators VicR and CiaR. With the ever-increasing number of bacteria that are rapidly becoming resistant to even the antibiotics of last resort, TCS provide a promising target for a new class of antimicrobials.