Natural products and oral bacteria in gum disease
Official title: Structures and functions of natural products in periodontal disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11367229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring how natural compounds from oral bacteria influence periodontal disease and how this could lead to targeted, microbiome-friendly treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | June 4, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $453,797 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE035210-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with periodontal disease or at high risk due to oral microbiome imbalance.
✕Less likely to help
People without periodontal disease or those not affected by oral microbiome dysbiosis may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how natural molecules produced by oral bacteria affect periodontal disease and how they might be used to selectively control harmful bacteria without disrupting beneficial microbes. By studying microcins and other compounds, scientists hope to identify new, targeted therapies for periodontitis that could also reduce links to systemic health issues like atherosclerosis. The work combines microbiology, chemistry, and disease biology to uncover chemical leads from the human oral microbiome. The findings could pave the way for treatments that maintain a balanced oral ecosystem while preventing disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have more precise treatments for gum disease that spare healthy bacteria and potentially reduce risks for related systemic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that microbiome-derived molecules can influence infection and colonization, supporting potential for targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnston, Chad William — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Johnston, Chad William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Periodontal Health in Newborns: Reducing Small Vulnerable Newborn Deaths in Nepal
A large study in Nepal will test whether a simple oral care package started in early pregnancy can lower the risk of tiny, high-risk newborns dying in their first month.
-
Gingival keratinocyte ferroptosis in periodontal disease pathogenesis
A study exploring how iron-related cell death in gum cells may drive gum disease and bone loss in periodontitis, and what this could mean for future treatments.
-
Periodontal health and dementia risk in a large health system
A large health system will study whether gum disease and its treatment relate to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias over time.
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.