Discovering natural products from oral microbes to improve oral health
Official title: Bioactive natural product discovery from human oral microbes
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11038005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain germs in your mouth can create helpful substances that might improve your oral health, especially focusing on two types of bacteria: one that can cause cavities and another that is good for your mouth, to see how these substances can be used to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $353,659 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032732-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with oral health issues, such as dental caries or those interested in improving their oral microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any oral health concerns or those not interested in natural product therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of human oral microbes to produce bioactive natural products that can influence oral health and disease. By analyzing the genomes and transcriptomes of these microbes, the project aims to identify and characterize the natural products they synthesize, particularly focusing on two key species: Streptococcus mutans, which is linked to dental caries, and Streptococcus salivarius, known for its probiotic benefits. The research will involve experimental methods to explore the interactions between these natural products and their effects on oral health, providing insights into how they can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or preventive measures for oral diseases, enhancing overall oral health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing natural products from microbes for health benefits, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Wenjun — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Wenjun
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.