Investigating immune cells in gum disease and diabetes
Official title: Single-cell RNA-sequencing for functional analysis of monocytes and macrophages in periodontitis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10997400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells work in people with gum disease and type 2 diabetes, hoping to find out more about their role in inflammation and disease, which could help create better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032433-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes, especially those from minority backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontitis or type 2 diabetes, or those not belonging to the affected demographic groups, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific immune cells, particularly monocytes and macrophages, behave in patients with periodontitis, a chronic gum disease, and type 2 diabetes. By using advanced single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, the study aims to uncover the differences in immune responses among diverse populations, especially those disproportionately affected by these conditions. The research will analyze how these immune cells contribute to inflammation and disease progression, potentially leading to better-targeted treatments for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for periodontitis and type 2 diabetes, particularly for minority and low socio-economic status populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in similar contexts, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
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A study in adults with periodontitis will test a special protein fragment called ICOS-Fc to calm gum inflammation and protect tooth-supporting bone.
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This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
-
Diabetes-Driven Changes in Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Gum Disease
This project studies how poorly controlled diabetes alters immune cells in periodontitis to worsen gum disease.
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.