Autoregulation of the Streptococcus mutans SloR Metalloregulator Is Constitutive and Driven by an Independent Promoter.

Streptococcus mutans, one of ∼600 bacterial species in the human oral cavity, is among the most acidogenic constituents of the plaque biofilm. Considered to be the primary causative agent of dental caries, S. mutans harbors a 25-kDa SloR metalloregulatory protein which controls metal ion transport across the bacterial cell membrane to maintain essential metal ion homeostasis. The expression of SloR derives in part from transcriptional readthrough of the sloABC operon, which encodes a Mn2+/Fe2+ ABC transport system. Here we describe the details of the sloABC promoter that drives this transcription as well as those for a novel independent promoter in an intergenic region (IGR) that contributes to downstream sloR expression. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) studies support the occurrence of sloR transcription that is independent of sloABC expression, and the results of 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5' RACE) revealed a sloR transcription start site in the IGR, from which the -10 and -35 promoter regions were predicted. The results of gel mobility shift assays support direct SloR binding to the IGR, albeit with a lower affinity than that for SloR binding to the sloABCR promoter. The function of the sloR promoter was validated by semiquantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments. Interestingly, sloR expression was not significantly affected when bacteria were grown in the presence of a high manganese concentration, whereas expression of the sloABC operon was repressed under these conditions. The results of in vitro transcription studies support the occurrence of SloR-mediated transcriptional activation of sloR and repression of sloABC Taken together, these findings implicate SloR as a bifunctional regulator that represses sloABC promoter activity and encourages sloR transcription from an independent promoter.IMPORTANCE Tooth decay is a ubiquitous infectious disease that is especially pervasive in underserved communities worldwide. S. mutans-induced carious lesions cause functional, physical, and/or esthetic impairment in the vast majority of adults and in 60 to 90% of schoolchildren in industrialized countries. Billions of dollars are spent annually on caries treatment, and productivity losses due to absenteeism from the workplace are significant. Research aimed at alleviating S. mutans-induced tooth decay is important because it can address the socioeconomic disparity that is associated with dental cavities and improve overall general health, which is inextricably linked to oral health. Research focused on the S. mutans SloR metalloregulatory protein can guide the development of novel therapeutics and thus alleviate the burden of dental cavities.

PP2A-mediated regulation of Ras signaling in G2 is essential for stable quiescence and normal G1 length.

Quiescence (G0) allows cycling cells to reversibly cease proliferation. A decision to enter quiescence is suspected of occurring early in G1, before the restriction point (R). Surprisingly, we have identified G2 as an interval during which inhibition of the protein phosphatase PP2A results in failure to exhibit stable quiescence. This effect is accompanied by shortening of the ensuing G1. The PP2A subcomplex required for stable G0 contains the B56γ B subunit. After PP2A inhibition in G2, aberrant overexpression of cyclin E occurs during mitosis and is responsible for overriding quiescence. Strikingly, suppression of Ras signaling re-establishes normal cyclin E levels during M and restores G0. These data point to PP2A-B56γ-driven Ras signaling modulation in G2 as essential for suppressing aberrant cyclin E expression during mitosis and thereby achieving normal G0 control. Thus, G2 is an interval during which the length and growth factor dependence of the next G1 interval are established.