Investigating how oral bacteria may promote cancer by disrupting cell connections
Official title: Oral pathogen - mediated pro-tumorigenic transformation through disruption of an Adherens Junction - associated RNAi machinery
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11007174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria in your mouth might be linked to oral cancer by affecting the cells that keep your mouth healthy, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how oral health can impact cancer development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $52,392 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE033286-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease or those at high risk for oral cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any history of oral health issues or those not at risk for oral cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between oral bacteria, specifically Fusobacterium nucleatum, and the development of oral cancer. It focuses on how these bacteria may disrupt the adherens junctions, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of epithelial cells in the mouth. By examining the role of a specific protein, PLEKHA7, the study aims to understand whether the disruption caused by these bacteria is a driving factor in cancer progression or merely a side effect. The approach involves laboratory experiments with cultured epithelial cells to analyze changes in gene expression and cell behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for early detection and prevention of oral cancer linked to periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between oral pathogens and cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kingsley, Christina Rachel — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kingsley, Christina Rachel
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.