Investigating how specific bacteria affect oral health and inflammation
Official title: Role of Notch-1/PLA2-IIA in oral dysbiosis, inflammation, and periodontal disease
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11083120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bad bacteria in your mouth affect your immune system and contribute to gum disease, focusing on a specific protein, and it aims to help us understand how to better protect our oral health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,479 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE029498-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing periodontal disease or related oral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of oral health issues or those not affected by periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between harmful bacteria in the mouth and the body's immune response, particularly focusing on a protein called PLA2-IIA and its role in periodontal disease. By studying how these bacteria disrupt the balance of oral microbiota, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to inflammation and gum disease. The approach includes using animal models to observe changes in bacterial populations and immune responses, providing insights that could translate to human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontal disease and improve oral health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of immune responses in oral health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Octavio Alberto — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Octavio Alberto
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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.