Bacterial genes linked to severe childhood cavities
Official title: Novel small molecule biosynthetic gene clusters in Streptococcus mutans and virulence of dental caries
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11306610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DE029527-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
People without Streptococcus mutans-related cavities or those unwilling to provide dental samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momeni, Stephanie — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Momeni, Stephanie
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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.