Dynamics and Assimilation Mechanism of Resident Bacterial Flora Targeting Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) occur as extracellular matrix components across animal tissues, including typical connective tissues, and comprise repeating disaccharide units forming a basic scaffold of uronate and amino sugar residues. Based on the sugar component, mode of glycoside bond, and sulfation level, GAGs are classified into hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and others. Some GAGs are utilized as supplements and/or medical materials. Among human resident bacterial flora, many bacterial species target GAGs for adherence to host cells and/or degradation for bacterial growth. This minireview focuses on resident bacterial flora primarily inhabiting the oral cavity and intestine and explores the dynamics of human resident bacterial flora targeting GAGs. The review further examines bacterial assimilation mechanisms, including GAG depolymerization into disaccharides, cytoplasmic disaccharide import, degradation into monosaccharide, and subsequent monosaccharide metabolism.