Research progress on the function and metabolism of d⁃alanine in bacteria

Abstract

D⁃alanine is a chiral molecule of L⁃alanine that participates in the formation and regulation of cell wall peptidoglycans, phosphoteichoic acid, spore germination and respiratory metabolism in individual bacteria. D⁃alanine participates in the formation and regulation of biofilm in bacterial communities. The function and metabolism of D⁃ala⁃ nine in bacteria are specific, and the enzymes and genes in its metabolic pathway can be used as drug targeting sites. In this paper, the synthesis, metabolism and function of D⁃alanine in bacteria were reviewed, and the relationship between D⁃alanine and pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans was discussed to provide a theoretical basis for candidate targeting sites of anti⁃caries drugs. According to existing research results, the enzymes and related genes involved in D⁃alanine metabolism play important roles in the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, and D⁃alanine is expected to be a target for the design of anti⁃caries drugs.

Keywords

• D⁃alanine，
• Bacteria，
• Function，
• Metabolism，
• Dental caries，
• Targeted therapy，