How Fusobacterium nucleatum affects diseases like preterm birth and colorectal cancer
Official title: Metabolic modulation of Fusobacterium nucleatum virulence
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11068240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of bacteria, which is often found in dental plaque, might contribute to serious health issues like preterm birth and colorectal cancer, and it aims to understand how this bacteria survives in the body and how a certain compound affects its behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,185 |
| NIH project number | 3R21DE032906-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and patients at risk for colorectal cancer who may be affected by Fusobacterium nucleatum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any connection to the diseases studied, such as those not at risk for preterm birth or colorectal cancer, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a type of bacteria linked to dental plaque, in causing diseases such as preterm birth and colorectal cancer. The study focuses on understanding how this bacterium can evade the immune system and thrive in different parts of the body, particularly in the placenta and colon. Researchers will explore how the metabolism of a compound called ethanolamine influences the bacteria's ability to cause disease. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights into the pathophysiology of infections related to this bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ton-That, Hung — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ton-That, Hung
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.