Effects of 7S globulin 3 derived from the adzuki bean [Vigna angularis]on the CSP- and eDNA- dependent biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans

Objective: Streptococcus mutans is a principal bacterium that forms pathogenic biofilm involved in the development of dental caries. S. mutans possesses a quorum sensing system (QS)stimulated by competence stimulating peptide (CSP), which is associated with bacteriocin production, genetic competency and biofilm formation. Inhibiting CSP-dependent QS is one of the aims leading to the inhibition of biofilm formation and is useful for establishing new prevention systems for dental caries. Design: In this study, we selected adzuki bean [Vigna angularis]extract as a candidate component to inhibit CSP-dependent biofilm formation among various foods. To purify an inhibitory component from the adzuki extracts, we performed the salting-out method, two rounds of ion-exchange chromatography, and SDS and native PAGE. Results: A primary protein band that inhibits CSP-dependent biofilm formation appeared at approximately 50 kDa and was identified as 7S globulin 3 (7S3), a major seed storage protein in adzuki bean. To determine the characteristics of 7S3 as an inhibitory component, aggregated proteins were extracted from the adzuki crude extracts at pH values lower than 6. The aggregated proteins inhibited CSP- and eDNA-dependent biofilm formation and showed 50 kDa band, which is identical with 7S3 in the purified sample. Moreover, 7S globulin 3 in the adzuki bean extract directly interacted with CSP at low pH conditions but not at neutral conditions, and inhibited CSP-dependent bacteriocin production. Conclusion: It was suggested that 7S3 might be a safe and useful material to prevent pathogenic activities in the biofilm formation of S. mutans.