The S. mutans mntE gene encodes a manganese efflux transporter

Streptococcus mutans is a colonizer of the human dentition, and under conditions of dysbiosis is the primary causative agent of dental caries. The pathogenic potential of S. mutans depends, in part, on its ability to regulate the transport of metal ions across the plasma membrane to maintain intracellular metal ion homeostasis. Research in our laboratory has focused on the Mn 2+ ‐specific SloC lipoprotein importer and its regulator encoded by...