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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Monofluorophosphate Blocks Internal Polysaccharide Synthesis In Streptococcus Mutans, Miguel Ballicora, Ana M. Demonte, Conrad Naleway, Matias D. Asencion Diez, Alberto A. Iglesias
Monofluorophosphate Blocks Internal Polysaccharide Synthesis In Streptococcus Mutans, Miguel Ballicora, Ana M. Demonte, Conrad Naleway, Matias D. Asencion Diez, Alberto A. Iglesias
Chemistry: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Streptococcus mutans is the leading cause of dental caries worldwide by accumulating a glycogen-like internal polysaccharide (IPS) that contributes to cariogenicity when sugars are in excess. Sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) is an active anticariogenic compound in toothpastes. Herein, we show that MFP inhibits (with an I0.5 of 1.5 mM) the S. mutans ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27), which catalyzes the key step in IPS biosynthesis. Enzyme inhibition by MFP is similar to orthophosphate (Pi), except that the effect caused by MFP is not reverted by fructose-1,6-bisP, as occurs with Pi. Inhibition was correlated with a decrease in acidogenesis and IPS …