How the gum bacterium Treponema denticola interacts with gum tissue
Treponema - Host Cell and Tissue Interactions
Researchers are looking at proteins on the gum bacterium Treponema denticola to see how they interact with gum ligament cells and contribute to gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261038 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on proteins on the surface of Treponema denticola and how they affect cells from the periodontal ligament, the tissue that connects tooth to bone. Scientists will use purified native and engineered bacterial proteins and genetically modified strains to see which components cause harmful changes in cell behavior. They will examine cell signaling pathways (TLR/MyD88 and Integrin/FAK) that control inflammation and attachment in laboratory cell models. The goal is to identify specific bacterial factors that start or worsen periodontal disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with periodontal disease or recurring gum infections, especially those with signs of periodontal ligament or alveolar bone involvement, are the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People without gum disease or whose dental problems are caused mainly by non-bacterial factors may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal bacterial targets for new treatments or diagnostics to help prevent or slow periodontal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have implicated dentilisin and Msp in tissue damage, but translating these findings into therapies or clinical tests remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fenno, J Christopher — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fenno, J Christopher
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.