How a gum bacterium teams with other mouth microbes to harm gums
P. gingivalis interactions with gingival epithelial cells
This research looks at how a common gum bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, teams up with other mouth microbes to damage gum cells and contribute to periodontal disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to periodontal disease, to see how it behaves when it is part of a community of other oral microbes. They use germ-free mice that are given selected mouth bacteria and cultured gingival (gum) epithelial cells to watch microbial interactions and host responses. The team is focusing on bacterial factors such as a secreted enzyme called Ltp1 that alters immune signaling (for example IP-10) and may let harmful microbes overgrow and damage tissue and bone. Learning these steps may point to ways to stop the microbial and immune changes that lead to tooth-supporting bone loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with periodontal disease or people prone to gum inflammation would be the most relevant candidates for related future clinical studies or for donating oral samples.
Not a fit: People without gum disease or those whose oral problems are not driven by these bacteria are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or slow bacteria-driven gum inflammation and bone loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have shown P. gingivalis can change immune signals, but the specific effects of polymicrobial communities and the Ltp1 factor are being newly explored.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamont, Richard J — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Lamont, Richard J
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.