Harmful proteins made by the mouth bacterium Treponema denticola
Exploring new virulence factors of the oral spirochete Treponema denticola
This project looks for bacterial proteins from a common oral germ that may drive gum disease and possibly affect people with or at risk for Alzheimer's.
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-11224169 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are identifying and characterizing specific proteins produced by the mouth bacterium Treponema denticola that may damage tissues and weaken immune defenses. They use genetics, biochemistry, cell and structural biology, and animal models to see how enzymes like sialidase, a hemolysin, and two Fic proteins harm cells and interact with the immune system. The team will test how these factors change complement activity and TLR2/TLR4 signaling and whether they cause cell toxicity. Results may link bacterial actions in the mouth to wider health effects such as oral cancer or Alzheimer-related processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with periodontal disease, chronic gum infections, or those concerned about oral bacterial links to Alzheimer's would be most interested in following or contributing to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without oral infections or who are not at risk for gum disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory-focused project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat gum infections and reduce bacterial contributions to systemic conditions like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified and characterized a few Treponema denticola virulence factors, but these specific enzymes and their roles are newly described and less tested.
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.