Plaque Bacteria Create a Microbial Forest in the Oral Cavity
The mouth is home to a bustling ecosystem where bacteria such as Corynebacterium matruchotii divide in extraordinary ways. New research reveals how these bacteria not only multiply but also shape the complex structure of dental plaque, providing insights into the intricate world of the human microbiome.
Inside the mouth lies one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, teeming with more than 500 species of bacteria. Recent research from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and American Dental Association Forsyth has uncovered a remarkable mechanism of cell division in Corynebacterium matruchotii, a common bacterium found in dental plaque. Unlike most bacteria that simply divide into two cells, C. matruchotii can split into up to 14 cells simultaneously, a rare process known as multiple fission. This discovery, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides new insights into how these bacteria contribute to the structural complexity of dental plaque.
C. matruchotii filaments act as a scaffolding within dental plaque, creating a spatial structure that supports other bacterial species, much like trees in a forest. This intricate organization is crucial for the survival and interaction of various bacteria within the biofilm. The researchers utilized time-lapse microscopy to observe how C. matruchotii grows by “tip extension,” where the cells elongate from one end before dividing. This growth pattern allows the bacterium to explore its environment, despite lacking the ability to move like other bacteria.
The findings highlight the dynamic nature of the microbial communities in our mouths and raise intriguing questions about the evolution of these bacteria. The dense and competitive habitat of dental plaque may have driven C. matruchotii to develop this unique reproductive strategy. Understanding these mechanisms could shed light on the broader implications for oral health and the human microbiome. As researchers continue to explore this microbial forest, they hope to uncover more about how these bacteria influence the health of our mouths and bodies. Click here to read more.
