Molecular determinants of streptococcus gordonii response to shear forces

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research awarded the University of Florida $411,775 on July 7, 2026, under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121) to investigate molecular determinants of Streptococcus gordonii response to shear forces generated by fluid flow in the oral cavity.

The research identifies genes involved in S. gordonii's ability to adapt to shear forces and evaluates the bacterium's gene expression in real-time in response to different levels of fluid shear using a microfluidics system. Understanding how bacteria sense and adapt to mechanical forces from fluid flow has implications for treating and preventing biofilm-associated diseases. S. gordonii, a pioneer colonizer of oral surfaces, can also travel to the heart and form biofilms on damaged valves, causing infective endocarditis.

The University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research administers the award. Performance takes place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The award period extends from July 7, 2026, through July 6, 2028.

Abstract

Fluid flow is present in multiple sites in the human body, including the oral cavity, where IT is generated through the movement of saliva during mastication, conversation, and other jaw motions. The shear forces generated by fluid flow significantly affect biofilm formation and maintenance; however, the cellular mechanisms utilized by microbes to sense and adapt to fluid flow are broadly not understood. We must better understand how bacteria sense and adapt to the mechanical forces generated by fluid flow (mechanosensing), as IT could significantly enhance our ability to treat or prevent numerous biofilm-associated diseases. Our proposed studies will investigate how fluid flow is sensed by streptococcus gordonii and how IT affects its biofilm. As a pioneer colonizer of the oral cavity, s. Gordonii binds directly to saliva-coated surfaces, where IT helps integrate other oral microorganisms into the dental plaque biofilm community. In the bloodstream, s. Gordonii can travel to the heart, forming biofilms on damaged heart valves and causing infective endocarditis. In this proposal, we aim to broaden our understanding of the impact of fluid shear forces on oral bacteria by (i) identifying genes involved in s. Gordonii's ability to adapt to forces generated by fluid flow and (II) evaluating s. Gordonii's gene expression in real-time in response to different shear forces using a previously developed microfluidics system.