Peptides to block the gum bacterium P. gingivalis
Development and characterization of anti-P. gingivalis peptides
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE · NIH-11379463
Researchers are creating small protein pieces (peptides) that aim to stop P. gingivalis, a bacterium linked to periodontitis, to help people with gum disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11379463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project develops small peptides based on a protein piece (SAPP) from a mouth bacterium that naturally suppresses P. gingivalis. The team will design and test these peptides in the lab to see if they stick to P. gingivalis surface proteins and lower expression of genes that make the bacterium harmful. They will identify which bacterial receptors the peptides target and measure whether treated bacteria are less able to damage gum tissues in laboratory models. If laboratory results are promising, the work could lead to testing samples or treatments that might be offered to people with periodontitis in later stages.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic periodontitis, especially those known or suspected to have P. gingivalis involvement, would be the main beneficiaries and likely candidates for later-stage testing.
Not a fit: People without P. gingivalis-related gum disease, those with primarily non-infectious dental problems, or those needing urgent dental surgery are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that reduce P. gingivalis virulence and help prevent or limit gum tissue damage from periodontitis.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-virulence approaches are relatively new but prior laboratory work showing that Streptococcus cristatus molecules can suppress P. gingivalis supports this as a promising preclinical direction.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, QINGGUO — MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: WANG, QINGGUO
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 below.