Biological Implications of the Streptococcus sanguinis Genome

This chapter focuses on the contribution of the genome sequence of Streptococcus sanguinis to enhance one's understanding of its interactions in the oral cavity. It was determined that streptococci resembling S. sanguinis constituted about half of the streptococcal component of dental plaque. This study likely identified as S. sanguinis some strains that would currently be classified as Streptococcus oralis or Streptococcus gordonii. This chapter points out that studies with related species may provide a framework for future hypothesis-driven investigation of S. sanguinis cell wall-anchored (Cwa) proteins associated with oral adhesion and aggregation. It was later determined that competence is upregulated in S. sanguinis in the presence of oxygen, as is also true for S. pneumoniae and S. mutans. The chapter concludes with the hope that the availability of the genome sequence stimulates new research related to the role of S. sanguinis within the oral community.