Investigating how sulfide affects oral bacteria and gum disease
Official title: Role of sulfide in oral microbiota-host interactions that promote periodontitis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10982479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gas made by certain bacteria might contribute to gum disease and aims to find out if some safe medications can help reduce its harmful effects, especially for people dealing with periodontitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DE031372-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are experiencing or at risk for periodontitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no signs of gum disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas produced by certain bacteria, in the development of periodontitis, a common gum disease. It aims to understand how the interaction between the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Filifactor alocis leads to tissue destruction in the mouth. By using mouse models, the study will examine how sulfide influences the immune response and the growth of these bacteria. The researchers also plan to test existing, safe medications that could potentially inhibit the harmful effects of sulfide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontitis that prevent tooth loss and improve oral health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microbial metabolites in oral diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stacy, Apollo — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Stacy, Apollo
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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.