How a common gum bacterium harms the stem cells that rebuild gums
Official title: P. gingivalis Effect on Periodontal Mesenchymal Stem Cell
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-11141174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the gum bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis causes stem cells in the gums to die and may explain why gum disease destroys tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150469-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with periodontitis or those willing to donate small gum tissue samples could be the most relevant participants or sample donors for this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
People without gum disease or those whose tissue loss is already beyond biological repair may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Scientists will grow human periodontal mesenchymal stem cells in the lab and expose them to the gum pathogen P. gingivalis to see how the cells die. They will measure signs of programmed cell death, release of chromatin material, and the molecular signals involved. The team will compare responses to other bacteria to pinpoint what makes P. gingivalis harmful to these stem cells. Findings will be used to search for ways to prevent stem cell loss and improve gum and bone healing in periodontitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that protect gum stem cells and help preserve or restore connective tissue and bone in periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show P. gingivalis contributes to gum inflammation and damages immune and bone cells, but the idea that it triggers regulated death of gum stem cells is a newer area being explored.
Where this research is happening
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Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heidari, Alireza — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Heidari, Alireza
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.