Succinate from gum disease and its link to Alzheimer's
Official title: Succinate signaling in periodontitis induced neuroinflammation and dementia
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11299060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether succinate produced during gum disease causes brain inflammation that could increase Alzheimer's risk in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $617,005 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080696-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or who are at higher risk and also have chronic periodontitis would be the most relevant group to follow this research or join related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without gum disease or those whose dementia has unrelated causes may be less likely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models, primary cell experiments, and analysis of oral bacteria and brain fluid to trace how succinate affects brain immune cells called microglia. The team will test whether microglial SUCNR1 (the succinate receptor) drives inflammatory signals linked to neurodegeneration and whether knocking it out reduces those signals. They will also examine how succinate changes the growth and virulence of the gum pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum and alters the oral microbiome. Results will be connected to Alzheimer’s-related biology to establish relevance to human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s by treating gum disease, blocking succinate signaling, or changing oral bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier population studies have linked periodontitis to higher Alzheimer's risk, but targeting succinate and the SUCNR1 microglial pathway is a relatively new, mainly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Li, Xin
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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.