Characterization of the Streptococcus mutans Pyruvate Formate-Lyase (PFL)-Activating Enzyme Gene by Complementary Reconstitution of the In Vitro PFL-Reactivating System

The act gene was identified and an act mutant as well as the pfl mutant was constructed in Streptococcus mutans. Pyruvate formate-lyase (PFL) activity was regenerated with the mixture of the respective cell extracts from these mutants by complementary reconstitution of the in vitro reactivating system. The S. mutans act gene encoded the sole enzyme able to activate the PFL protein in this organism.