How mouth bacteria stick to teeth and start plaque
Molecular Assembly on the Cell Surface of Actinomyces
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11192293
Scientists are learning how common mouth bacteria attach to teeth so people who get plaque, cavities, or gum disease might benefit.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the glue-like proteins on early plaque bacteria (Actinomyces oris) to understand how these microbes attach to tooth surfaces. In the lab they change bacterial genes and examine proteins such as the sortase enzyme and SafA to see how attachment and pilus assembly are affected. They use biochemical tests, microscopy, and bacterial cultures that mimic the mouth environment. This work aims to find weak points in plaque formation that could be targeted to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have frequent dental plaque, cavities, gingivitis, or periodontitis, or those at high risk for these conditions.
Not a fit: People whose oral problems are caused by non-bacterial factors or who need immediate dental surgery are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or reduce dental plaque, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that blocking bacterial attachment proteins can reduce plaque formation in models, but translating these findings into human treatments is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.