What organism can interact with the same cells to antagonize ZEB2 expression?

• A. P. gingivalis
• B. Streptococcus mutans
• C. Fusobacterium nucleatum
• D. S. gordonii

Answer: (D)

ZEB2 is a transcription factor that promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition by repressing epithelial markers like E-cadherin. When certain oral bacteria interact with the same gingival epithelial cells, they can modulate host signaling and downregulate ZEB2 expression, which helps maintain epithelial integrity. Among the organisms listed, Streptococcus gordonii is known to engage with these epithelial cells in a way that antagonizes ZEB2 expression, illustrating how a commensal early colonizer can influence host pathways in this context. The other organisms have different effects on host cells in this setting and are not described as antagonizing ZEB2 in the same context, making Streptococcus gordonii the best fit for this interaction.