Investigating the role of vitamin B12 in gum disease caused by specific bacteria
Official title: Cobalamin in Porphyromonas gingivalis Pathogenicity
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11067764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vitamin B12 affects a bacteria that can cause gum disease, hoping to find new ways to help people with periodontitis feel better and prevent further issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DE033707-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are diagnosed with chronic periodontitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic periodontitis or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cobalamin, or vitamin B12, affects the behavior of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to chronic periodontitis. Researchers will explore how this vitamin helps the bacteria adapt to stress conditions, which may enhance its ability to cause disease. By examining the interactions between cobalamin and the bacteria, the study aims to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of gum disease and its impact on overall health. Patients with periodontitis may benefit from findings that could lead to improved treatments or preventive strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of chronic periodontitis, potentially improving oral health and overall well-being for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of cobalamin in this context is being explored, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial behavior in relation to nutrient utilization and pathogenicity.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghods, Shirin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Ghods, Shirin
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.