Gingival keratinocyte ferroptosis in periodontal disease pathogenesis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11455064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how iron-related cell death in gum cells may drive gum disease and bone loss in periodontitis, and what this could mean for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $519,164 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035592-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with periodontitis or gum inflammation who may contribute tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without periodontitis are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Periodontitis is a common mouth disease driven by bacteria and inflammation that damages teeth-supporting bone. This project looks at a specific way iron overload might trigger ferroptosis, a form of cell death, in gum keratinocytes and how that relates to disease progression. Using human tissue samples and a mouse model of periodontitis, researchers will examine ferroptosis markers and iron-related changes in the gums. The findings could reveal new targets to prevent bone loss and improve gum health in people with periodontal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new approaches to prevent or reduce gum inflammation and bone loss in periodontitis.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest ferroptosis features in diseased gingiva, but this link to periodontitis is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Kang I — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ko, Kang I
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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.