How a gum disease bacterium changes its outer surface to drive periodontitis
Pathoadaptive Modulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide Structure and Function
This project looks at how a common gum disease bacterium changes its surface molecules, aiming to help adults who have periodontitis.
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-11178360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to adult periodontitis, to learn how a bacterial signaling molecule called c-di-AMP alters its outer lipopolysaccharide (LPS). They will use bacterial genetics and molecular lab tests to switch key genes on and off, grow bacteria, and analyze changes in LPS structure and function. The team will compare lab findings to material from periodontal pockets and use cell or animal models to see how those LPS changes affect inflammation and tissue damage. The goal is to map the mechanism by which bacterial signaling modifies the bacterium's surface and contributes to gum disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with periodontitis or active periodontal pockets who can provide oral samples or clinical information would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without bacterial-driven gum disease or those seeking immediate dental interventions for non-infectious gum problems may not get direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for new diagnostics or treatments that stop bacteria from changing their surface and causing gum damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown bacterial LPS can drive gum inflammation and the investigators' earlier findings suggest c-di-AMP controls LPS, but translating this specific mechanism into clinical treatments is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moradali, Fata — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Moradali, Fata
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.