ActA-mediated PykF acetylation negatively regulates oxidative stress adaptability of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>

Dental caries poses a significant challenge to global oral health, driven by microbial dysbiosis within dental biofilms. The pathogenicity of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, a major cariogenic bacterium, is closely linked to its ability to adapt to changing environments and cellular stresses. Our investigation into the protein acetylation mechanisms, particularly through the acetyltransferase ActA, reveals a critical pathway by which <i>S. mutans</i> modulates its adaptability to oxidative stress, the dominant stressor within dental biofilms. By elucidating how ActA affects the oxidative stress adaptability and competitiveness of <i>S. mutans</i> through the regulatory axis of ActA-PykF-pyruvate, our findings provide insights into the dynamic interplay between cariogenic and commensal bacteria within dental biofilms. This work emphasizes the significance of protein acetylation in bacterial stress response and competitiveness, opening avenues for the development of novel strategies to maintain oral microbial balance within dental biofilms.