Understanding how a specific bacteria affects gum disease.
Characterization of Selenomonas sputigena invasion, intracellular life cycle, and exocytosis in gingival epithelial cells.
This study is looking at how a specific bacteria called Selenomonas sputigena affects gum health and causes gum disease, with the hope of finding new ways to treat it and help people keep their gums healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the bacteria Selenomonas sputigena in causing periodontal disease, which leads to inflammation and tissue destruction in the gums. The study aims to uncover how this bacterium invades gum cells, survives inside them, and eventually exits the cells. By examining the mechanisms of infection and inflammation, the research seeks to provide insights into the bacterial lifecycle and its impact on gum health. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how this pathogen contributes to gum disease and potential new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from periodontal disease or those at risk of developing it.
Not a fit: Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not have Selenomonas sputigena present in their oral microbiome may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for periodontal disease by targeting the mechanisms of bacterial infection and inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on other bacteria involved in periodontal disease, this specific investigation into Selenomonas sputigena is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkes, Colin G — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hawkes, Colin G
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.