# Protein lysine acetylation regulates oral microorganisms

## TL;DR

This review explores how lysine acetylation affects oral bacteria, influencing their metabolism, virulence, and adaptation to environmental changes in the mouth.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the novel role of lysine acetylation in regulating oral microbiota and its impact on microbial behavior and disease.

## Key findings

- Lysine acetylation in Streptococcus mutans reduces acidogenicity and cariogenic potential.
- Acetylation regulates energy pathways and EPS production, aiding bacterial survival and biofilm formation.
- Acetylation of virulence factors can either enhance or inhibit bacterial pathogenicity.

## Abstract

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are integral to the regulation of protein function, stability, and cellular processes. Lysine acetylation, a widespread PTM, has been extensively characterized for its role in eukaryotic cellular functions, particularly in metabolism, gene expression, and disease progression. However, its involvement in oral microbiota remains inadequately explored. This review examines the emerging significance of lysine acetylation in modulating oral microbial communities. The oral cavity, characterized by its unique anatomical and environmental conditions, serves as a dynamic habitat where microbiota interact with host factors such as diet, immune response, pH, and the level of oxygen. Lysine acetylation enables bacterial adaptation to these fluctuating conditions, influencing microbial metabolism, virulence, and stress responses. For example, acetylation of lactate dehydrogenase in Streptococcus mutans reduces its acidogenicity and aciduricity, which decreases its cariogenic potential. In diverse environmental conditions, including hypoxic or anaerobic environments, acetylation regulates energy utilization pathways and enzyme activities, supporting bacterial survival and adaptation. Additionally, acetylation controls the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), which are essential for biofilm formation and bacterial colonization. The acetylation of virulence factors can modulate the pathogenic potential of oral bacteria, either enhancing or inhibiting their activity depending on the specific context and regulatory mechanisms involved. This review also explores the interactions between acetylation and other PTMs, highlighting their synergistic or antagonistic effects on protein function. A deeper understanding of lysine acetylation mechanisms in oral microbiota could provide valuable insights into microbial adaptation and pathogenesis, revealing potential therapeutic targets for oral diseases.