Figure 5. Illustration of qRT-PCR and transcriptomic data comparing gtfBC deletion and WT revealing insoluble glucan linking acidogenicity and aciduricity in S. mutans.

(A) S. mutans establishes low localized pH via its surface-associated glucans and that low surface pH induces protective mechanisms for coping with acid-stress. The normal adaptive Acid Tolerance Responses (ATR) genes in WT are not induced when glucans are missing. (B) Illustration of how the lack of acid tolerance is likely to impact the overall persistence and growth of S. mutans within the community and (C) a model of how the virulence properties could be linked.