Saliva and Salivary Glands

Salivary proteins have been shown to interact with bacteria in plaque, and such interactions likely play critical roles in plaque formation. One such interaction is that between amylase, the most abundant enzyme in saliva, and the  amylase-binding streptococci (ABS), which are numerous in plaque. Presently, we are investigating potential interactions of genes and proteins involved in amylase binding (abpA and abpB) and genes involved in glucan synthesis (rgg and gtfG). Mutants deficient in one or more of these proteins will be compared in standard in vitro models of adhesion and biofilm formation, and for colonization and cariogenicity potential in rats.

Other areas of Dr. Scannapieco's research are available at Microbial Pathogenesis of Oral Organisms, Clinical & Translational Research, and Relationship of Oral Pathogens to Systemic Diseases