Investigating the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in oral and other diseases
Official title: Advanced genetic systems for Fusobacterium nucleatum in oral and extra-oral pathologies
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11123679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum to see how it affects oral health and diseases, like gum disease and oral cancer, as well as other serious health issues, with the hope of finding better treatment options for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | September 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $361,755 |
| NIH project number | 7R21DE033533-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with oral diseases, colorectal cancer, or those experiencing complications during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Fusobacterium nucleatum or those not experiencing oral or systemic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium that plays a significant role in oral health and disease. The team aims to understand how this bacterium contributes to various oral diseases, such as periodontitis and oral cancer, as well as other serious conditions like colorectal cancer and pregnancy complications. By utilizing advanced genetic techniques, they will analyze different strains of this bacterium to uncover its mechanisms of pathogenesis and how it thrives in disease states. This could lead to new insights into treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from oral diseases and related systemic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the microbiota's role in disease can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnston, Christopher D — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Johnston, Christopher D
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.