Spontaneous Mutants of Streptococcus sanguinis with Defects in the Glucose-PTS Show Enhanced Post-Exponential Phase Fitness

Genetic truncations in a gene encoding a putative glucose-PTS protein (manL, EIIABMan) were identified in subpopulations of two separate laboratory stocks of Streptococcus sanguinis SK36; the mutants had reduced PTS activities on glucose and other monosaccharides. Using an engineered mutant of manL and its complemented derivative, we showed that the ManL-deficient strain had improved bacterial viability in stationary phase and was better able to inhibit the growth of the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Transcriptional analysis and biochemical assays suggested that the manL mutant underwent reprograming of central carbon metabolism that directed pyruvate away from production of lactate, increasing production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and excretion of pyruvate. Addition of pyruvate to the medium enhanced the survival of SK36 in overnight cultures. Meanwhile, elevated pyruvate levels were detected in the cultures of a small, but significant percentage ([~]10%), of clinical isolates of oral commensal bacteria. Furthermore, the manL mutant showed higher expression of the arginine deiminase system than the wild type, which enhanced the ability of the mutant to raise environmental pH when arginine was present. Significant discrepancies in genome sequence were identified between strain SK36 obtained from ATCC and the sequence deposited in GenBank. As the conditions that are likely associated with the emergence of spontaneous manL mutations, i.e. excess carbohydrates and low pH, are those associated with caries development, we propose that the glucose-PTS strongly influences commensal-pathogen interactions by altering the production of ammonia, pyruvate, and H2O2. ImportanceA health-associated dental microbiome provides a potent defense against pathogens and diseases. Streptococcus sanguinis is an abundant member of a health-associated oral flora that antagonizes pathogens by producing hydrogen peroxide. There is a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms that allow bacteria to survive carbohydrate-rich and acidic environments associated with the development of dental caries. We report the isolation and characterization of spontaneous mutants of S. sanguinis with impairment in glucose transport. The resultant reprograming of central metabolism in these mutants reduced the production of lactic acid and increased pyruvate accumulation; the latter enables these bacteria to better cope with hydrogen peroxide and low pH. The implications of these discoveries in the development of dental caries are discussed.