Transcriptomic profiles of Streptococcus mutans UA159 grown in the presence or absence of mucins or mucin glycans

We use high-throughput sequencing to profile the response of oral commensal pathogen Streptococcus mutans to mucins protein polymers (human MUC5B mucins) and soluble mucin glycans (human MUC5B glycans and porcine MUC5AC glycans). We find that mucins and their glycans alter the regulation of dozens of S. mutans genes, specifically downregulating competence-associated quorum sensing genes. The transcriptional responses induced by MUC5B mucins, MUC5B glycans, and MUC5AC glycans are highly correlated. Overall design: Examination of differential gene expression in Streptococcus mutans UA159 in response to MUC5B mucins, MUC5B glycans in solution, and MUC5AC glycans in solution