Investigating how a specific bacterial secretion system works in a periodontal pathogen.
Official title: Structure and Function of Porphyromonas gingivalis Type IX Secretion System
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11013294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of a germ called Porphyromonas gingivalis that is linked to gum disease, using special imaging tools to see how it works inside the germ, which could help us find new ways to treat infections related to this condition.
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 start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,052 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033452-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic periodontitis or related bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial related periodontal issues or those not affected by chronic periodontitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Type IX secretion system (T9SS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to chronic periodontitis. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron tomography, the researchers aim to visualize the T9SS in its natural environment within the bacterial cell. This approach allows for a better understanding of how this secretion system operates and how it contributes to the bacterium's ability to cause disease. The findings could lead to new insights into bacterial infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for periodontal disease and other bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial secretion systems using advanced imaging techniques, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.