How L-Arginine affects the behavior of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
L-Arg availability affects the physiological state of porphyromonas gingivalis.
This study is looking at how the amino acid L-arginine affects the behavior of a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is known to cause gum disease, to help find new ways to treat gum infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10876326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the availability of L-arginine, an amino acid, influences the behavior of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is linked to periodontal disease. The study aims to understand the environmental signals that determine whether this bacterium behaves in a harmful or harmless way within the oral microbiome. By examining the levels of L-arginine in the mouth during periodontal disease, researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies to manage and treat gum infections. The approach involves analyzing bacterial behavior and interactions in biofilms, which are complex communities of bacteria that can lead to chronic infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing periodontal disease or related oral health issues.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have periodontal disease or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontal disease, improving oral health and potentially reducing the risk of related systemic conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that understanding the microbial environment and its signals can lead to significant advancements in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davey, Mary Ellen — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Davey, Mary Ellen
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.