Identification of <i>Veillonella parvula</i> and <i>Streptococcus gordonii</i> adhesins mediating co-aggregation and its impact on physiology and mixed biofilm structure

Abstract

Our research explores the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion within the dental plaque, focusing on <i>Veillonella parvula</i>, a key player in the oral microbiome. Dependent on lactate from streptococci, <i>V. parvula</i> plays a crucial bridging role in the formation of dental biofilms by co-aggregating with other bacteria. Despite its importance, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of co-aggregation remains limited. Our study shows that <i>V. parvula</i> uses different trimeric autotransporters to adhere to oral Streptococci and Actinomyces. We additionally identify a novel adhesin from <i>S. gordonii</i>, VisA (SGO_2004) facilitating this interaction. We found that although co-aggregation does not affect cell-cell communication, it is critical for biofilm structure and species distribution. This research opens up new avenues for exploring microbial interactions in dental health and diseases.