Creating a humanized mouse model to study gum disease
Official title: Humanized mouse model of periodontitis
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-10976283 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called Semaphorin 4D affects gum disease and bone loss by using special mice that can have human immune cells, which helps researchers learn more about the disease and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | September 5, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034154-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976283 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing or at risk for periodontitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to periodontitis or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a humanized mouse model to investigate the role of Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) in periodontitis, a serious gum disease. By using advanced immunodeficient mice that can host human immune cells, researchers will explore how Sema4D affects bone loss and inflammation associated with gum disease. The study will involve transplanting human hematopoietic stem cells into these mice to create a model that closely mimics human responses to periodontitis. This approach allows for a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontitis that effectively prevent bone loss and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using humanized mouse models to study various diseases, indicating a promising approach for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kawai, Toshihisa — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Kawai, Toshihisa
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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.