How a gum-disease bacterium senses and adapts in the mouth
Two-component signaling systems of Treponema denticola
This project looks at how the gum-disease bacterium Treponema denticola senses changes in the mouth and behaves to help people with periodontitis.
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-11307601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the bacterium Treponema denticola, which is common in advanced gum disease, to learn how it detects and responds to changes in the mouth. They are focusing on bacterial sensor systems that turn environmental signals into gene activity and mapping which bacterial genes are controlled by those sensors. The team uses laboratory methods including bacterial genetics, protein-DNA binding studies, and comparisons with other oral bacteria to understand these interactions. Some work may also involve analysis of bacteria from diseased gum sites to link lab findings to real-world infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with periodontitis or recurrent gum disease, especially those whose dental care teams identify Treponema denticola in their oral bacteria, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without gum disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new ways to block or weaken the bacteria that drive periodontitis, potentially leading to improved prevention or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Past laboratory work has started to map regulatory signals in T. denticola, but turning these basic findings into patient therapies is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Daniel Patrick — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Miller, Daniel Patrick
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.