Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
Official title: Defining the Oral-Gut–Bone Axis: GLP Signaling Links Periodontitis to Bone Loss
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11441853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | September 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $317,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE036471-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for periodontitis and related systemic conditions who may benefit from future therapies targeting oral-gut-bone signaling.
✕Less likely to help
People without periodontitis or related bone health concerns may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers at Indiana University will study how periodontitis-related changes in the mouth and gut influence bone loss, including the role of GLP in bone turnover and immune balance. Using a mouse model that mimics oral-gut dysbiosis, the team will look at how disrupted GLP signaling may drive inflammation and bone loss in both jawbone and other bones. The work aims to map a pathway from oral health to systemic bone remodeling that could explain links to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The findings could point to new strategies to protect bone health in people with periodontal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of how oral health affects bone health could lead to new prevention and treatment approaches for osteoporosis, diabetes-related bone loss, and cardiovascular risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests gut-bone signaling and GLP pathways influence bone turnover, but this specific oral-gut-bone axis in periodontitis is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koizumi, Yukiko — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Koizumi, Yukiko
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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.