AUTHOR=Yang Yuanchao , He Hailun , Liu Bingshi , Li Zhuoyue , Sun Jiaman , Zhao Zhili , Yang Yan 

TITLE=Protein lysine acetylation regulates oral microorganisms

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1594947

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2025.1594947

ISSN=2235-2988

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.