How the gum‑disease bacterium sends out harmful proteins
Structure and Function of Porphyromonas gingivalis Type IX Secretion System
Researchers are mapping how the gum‑disease bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis sends out proteins that damage gums to help guide future treatments for periodontitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This team is using cutting‑edge cryo‑electron tomography to take detailed pictures of the protein secretion machinery of P. gingivalis inside intact bacterial cells. They will compare normal bacteria with engineered mutant strains to identify which parts are required to secrete enzymes like gingipains that harm gum tissue. The work builds on earlier structural studies that looked at isolated pieces, but now visualizes the whole secretion system in its natural cellular context. Findings may point to specific molecular targets that could be blocked by new drugs or vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic periodontitis linked to P. gingivalis would be the most relevant group for translating these findings into clinical interventions.
Not a fit: People whose gum disease is caused by nonbacterial factors, other microbes, or who expect immediate clinical benefit are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or treat periodontitis by stopping the bacterium from releasing tissue‑damaging proteins.
How similar studies have performed: Previous X‑ray crystallography and single‑particle EM studies resolved parts of the T9SS, but in situ cryo‑ET of the intact T9SS is a newer approach that offers more complete structural views.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Bo — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Hu, Bo
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.