How certain bacteria attach to teeth and form dental plaque
Official title: Binding specificity and transcriptional regulation of antigen I/II adhesins in Streptococcus gordonii
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10900449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a common bacteria in your mouth, called Streptococcus gordonii, sticks to your teeth using special proteins, and it aims to understand how this process leads to plaque buildup, which can cause dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,921 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE033234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for dental plaque-related conditions, such as those with chronic periodontitis or frequent dental caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dental health issues or those who have already undergone extensive dental treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Streptococcus gordonii, a common oral bacterium, uses specific proteins called adhesins to attach to the surfaces of teeth and contribute to dental plaque formation. By studying the interactions between these adhesins and components in saliva, the research aims to understand the initial steps of biofilm development in the mouth. The project will explore how the expression of these proteins changes over time and how this affects the bacteria's ability to form biofilms, which are linked to oral diseases like cavities and chronic periodontitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing dental plaque formation and associated oral diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms, making this approach promising for further advancements in oral health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aitken, Sarah — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Aitken, Sarah
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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.