Targeting a specific enzyme in bacteria to prevent tooth decay
Official title: Streptococcus mutans diadenylate cyclase: A promising target for preventing dental caries
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11125740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent cavities by targeting a specific enzyme in the bacteria that cause tooth decay, aiming to stop harmful plaque from forming while keeping the good bacteria in your mouth healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE030334-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for dental caries, such as those with a history of cavities or poor oral hygiene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with dental caries or those with severe oral health conditions unrelated to S. mutans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment to prevent dental caries by targeting the enzyme diadenylate cyclase in Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium responsible for tooth decay. The approach aims to selectively inhibit the formation of harmful biofilms without disrupting the beneficial bacteria in the mouth. By understanding how this enzyme influences biofilm formation, the researchers hope to create a more effective therapy that preserves the oral microbiome while reducing the risk of cavities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing dental caries, improving oral health for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial enzymes to manage biofilm-related infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rojas, Edwin M — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Rojas, Edwin M
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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.