Investigating how two microorganisms contribute to oral cancer development
Official title: The role of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Candida albicans interkingdom interactions in promoting OSCC
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11002643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two tiny germs, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Candida albicans, work together and might help cause a type of mouth cancer, hoping to find new ways to understand how our mouth's bacteria can affect cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE033457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of oral lesions or those at high risk for developing oral squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any 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 interactions between the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum and the fungus Candida albicans, which may play a role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By examining how these two microorganisms interact and potentially promote cancerous changes in oral tissues, the study aims to uncover new insights into the microbiome's influence on cancer progression. The research will involve laboratory experiments using oral epithelial cell lines to assess the effects of these microorganisms on normal and abnormal cells. This could lead to a better understanding of how certain microbial communities contribute to cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating oral cancer by targeting specific microbial interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the microbiome in cancer is an emerging field, this specific investigation into the interaction between Fusobacterium nucleatum and Candida albicans is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Hebshi, Nezar — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Al-Hebshi, Nezar
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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.