Bacterial genes linked to severe childhood cavities
Novel small molecule biosynthetic gene clusters in Streptococcus mutans and virulence of dental caries
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11306610
This project looks at specific genes in the cavity-causing bacterium Streptococcus mutans to learn why some strains lead to severe tooth decay in young children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on bacteria taken from children with high rates of cavities to find a newly identified gene cluster (called BL-BGC) that may make the germs more harmful. Scientists will compare clinical strains that have or lack this gene cluster, change the genes in the lab, and watch how those strains form sticky biofilms that cause decay. Some work will use lab-grown biofilms and in-vivo biofilm tests to see how the genes affect survival and tooth-damaging behavior. The goal is to link this bacterial gene cluster to more aggressive cavity-causing traits so future prevention or treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be young children (particularly under six) from high-caries-risk communities whose parents can provide dental plaque or saliva samples for research.
Not a fit: People without Streptococcus mutans-related cavities or those unwilling to provide dental samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new bacterial targets for preventing or treating severe early childhood cavities.
How similar studies have performed: Past research linking S. mutans genes and biofilm behavior has identified actionable targets, but the BL-BGC described here is newly recognized and has not been tested before.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOMENI, STEPHANIE — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MOMENI, STEPHANIE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.