Senescent cells in the periodontal ligament as a target to prevent age-related gum and bone loss
Official title: Senescent periodontal ligament cells as a potential therapeutic target for age-associated periodontitis
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11398873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test whether removing aging cells in the gums can reduce bone loss from periodontal disease in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034757-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older with periodontal disease and age-related bone loss who could participate in translational studies or future clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals with periodontal disease may not experience direct benefits during early-stage research.
What this research studies
This project looks at aging’s impact on our teeth’s supporting tissues and whether clearing senescent cells from the periodontal ligament can improve bone formation and reduce bone loss in adults with periodontal disease. Researchers will study human-related biology and aging in the periodontium, using models that reflect age-related changes and testing whether removing senescent cells helps restore healthy bone. The work could point toward therapies that keep gums and teeth healthier as people get older. If successful, it may lead to new strategies to prevent tooth loss linked to aging and periodontal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to treatments that reduce age-related bone loss in the jaw and protect against tooth loss from periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in aging and bone biology suggests that removing senescent cells can improve bone formation in animals; relevance to periodontal tissue is being explored in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kittaka, Mizuho — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Kittaka, Mizuho
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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.