Exploring a Mouth Bacterium's Sugars and its Link to Alzheimer's Disease
Decoding the glycome of oral Treponema denticola
This project explores the unique sugar structures of a common mouth bacterium, Treponema denticola, to understand its role in gum disease and its potential connection to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a specific bacterium called Treponema denticola (Td), which lives in the mouth and is strongly linked to gum disease, and also shows connections to serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease. We know that Td causes problems like inflammation and bone loss, but we don't fully understand how it does this, especially regarding the unique sugar molecules on its surface. There has been some confusion among scientists about the exact type of sugar molecules Td produces, which makes it harder to understand its role in disease. Our team is using advanced methods, including genetic analysis and immunology, to precisely identify these sugar structures. By understanding these sugars, we aim to uncover how Td contributes to gum disease and its potential links to other health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals affected by periodontitis and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by periodontitis or Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the specific sugar molecules of Treponema denticola could lead to new ways to prevent or treat gum disease and potentially shed light on its connection to Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the exact sugar structures of Treponema denticola have been a long-standing puzzle, this project builds on significant progress made by the research team using multidisciplinary approaches.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Chunhao Chris — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Li, Chunhao Chris
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.