DT News - UK - New research aims to stop biofilm from forming

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 30 April 2013

save

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – Biofilms are increasingly recognised as an important issue in dental and health care, as they can cause dental plaque, sinusitis and serious infections, particularly on medical implants. Now, scientists have determined how a molecular switch regulates the formation of biofilm. The new insight could help identify a target for antibiotics and help prevent the formation of biofilm in the future.

In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underpinning biofilm formation, researchers from Newcastle University’s Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences investigated how Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium widely used as a model organism for laboratory studies, forms a biofilm.

Using X-ray crystallography, the researchers found that the DNA-binding protein SinR acts as a master regulator of biofilm formation in the bacterium. SinR determined whether B. subtilis switches from a free-living, planktonic lifestyle to form a biofilm by inhibiting the expression of proteins required for the synthesis of the molecular glue that holds the biofilm together, they explained.

In addition, a structural analysis of the proteins involved in this process enabled the scientists to determine how SinR activity can be controlled by its interaction with its antagonists. With these findings, the researchers hope to develop effective intervention strategies to stop biofilms from growing.

The study, titled “Molecular basis of activity of SinR protein, the master regulator of biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis”, was published in the April issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

To post a reply please login or register

New study aims to combat dental anxiety in children

SHEFFIELD, UK: For sufferers of dental anxiety, the fear of dental procedures and check-ups can often lead to neglect of oral care, poorer dental health, ...

New initiative aims to improve oral health of care home residents

LONDON, UK: Several studies have found that the oral health of care home residents is often poor and that in many cases carers have not received specific ...

The new NimrodAligner: From straightforward to complex cases

As a dental practitioner, helping your patient choose the right alignment system from the many available to improve his or her smile can be very daunting. ...

The new NimrodAligner: From straightforward to complex cases

As a dental practitioner, helping your patient choose the right alignment system from the many available to improve his or her smile can be very daunting. ...

Bad teeth stop Brits from smiling in photographs

LONDON, UK: Say “cheese”! Although it is meant to make people smile, this cue apparently induces the opposite in many British people. According ...

New realistic mouth models aim to improve dental education

BIRMINGHAM, UK: New research being carried out in collaboration with the University of Birmingham will allow dental students to train on dental models that ...

Stop the rot? How the new British government plans to rescue NHS dentistry

LONDON, UK: After its recent landslide victory in the UK general election held on 4 July, the new Labour government has placed dentistry high on its list of...

FOREO launch aims to revolutionise daily dental care

LONDON, UK: Coinciding with World Oral Health Day, Swedish brand FOREO, makers of the world's first electric toothbrush made entirely from silicone, ...

Poor oral health may contribute to a decline in brain health, according to new research

The link between oral health and systemic heath has been long understood by dental experts. Now preliminary research, to be presented at the American Stroke...

Results from research into soft drinks cause for concern

DUBLIN, Ireland: The negative impact of sugar-laden drinks on oral health is something dentists have known about for many years. However, that these drinks ...

Education

Live webinar
Wed. 1 October 2025
6:00 pm UTC (London)