Query: NC_016610:726128 Tannerella forsythia ATCC 43037 chromosome, complete genome Lineage: Tannerella forsythia; Tannerella; Porphyromonadaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria General Information: This organism is a key agent in the progression of periodontal disease and is involved in bone loss and loss of attachment of teeth. The pathogenic factors involved in this are poorly understood. Unlike other periodontal organism such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, this organism is difficult to culture and the prevalence of the organism in periodontal disease may be underestimated. This organism is synergistic with Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the presence of both accelerates progression of the disease.
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General Information: This organism, like other myxobacteria, undergoes a complex development and differentiation pathway. When cell density increases, the organism switches to "social motility" where aggregates of cells can gather together into masses termed fruiting bodies that may consist of up to 100 000 cells. The motility system is not dependent on flagella like most bacteria, but instead relies on twitching pili: short extracellular appendages that may function analogously to oars in a rowboat. The myxobacteria have proved to be a rich source of novel natural products. Myxococcus fulvus produces a number of antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic substances which are being studies for therapeutic applications.