How viruses in the mouth affect oral health through computer analysis
Integrated computational approaches to determine contributions of the oral virome
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11160755
Using computer methods to find viruses in the mouth and how they relate to oral health and disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160755 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will use computer analysis of hundreds of existing mouth microbiome sequencing datasets to find viruses and map viral communities in saliva and dental plaque. Researchers will apply high-throughput sequencing data and viral-discovery tools to detect both viruses that infect human cells and bacteriophages that influence bacteria. They will compare viral patterns between healthy people and those with oral conditions like gum disease or cavities to identify possible viral links. The team will also develop and share computational methods to help other scientists and clinicians detect viral signatures in oral samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gum disease, chronic oral infections, tooth decay, or those willing to donate saliva or plaque samples would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People whose oral problems are purely structural or unrelated to infection may not see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify viral markers or targets that lead to better diagnosis, prevention, or treatments for oral diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Early, small studies have found viral signals in the mouth, but using these findings for diagnosis or treatment is still largely new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DABDOUB, SHAREEF MAJED — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: DABDOUB, SHAREEF MAJED
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.