Roy R. B. Russell in Molecular Oral Microbiology

Molecular biology techniques have made a major contribution to our understanding of dental plaque bacteria, helping to clarify the taxonomic relationships of the various species of oral bacteria and their association with dental caries. Methods developed for gene cloning and targeted gene knockout have allowed analysis of the function of individual genes and their contribution to aspects of cellular adhesion and physiology that may be important for cariogenicity. The availability of the Streptococcus mutans genome sequence has given access to new tools for discovering novel genes and exploring their regulation, as well means by which diversity within the species can be explored.

In a new book edited by Anthony H. Rogers (available early 2008) a panel of experts discuss the molecular biology of micro-organisms involved in the two major dental diseases: caries and periodontal disease. Chapters deal with the interactions of oral microorganisms with one another and with the host; the innate defence mechanisms of the host; and the development of vaccines against oral diseases. Topics include oral microbial taxonomy, identification and typing, applied genomics, horizontal gene transfer, cell-cell communication, cariogenic bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, host-pathogen interaction, host defense mechanisms, and vaccination against oral infections.

Full details of the book available at Molecular Oral Microbiology