Understanding how a specific bacteria contributes to gum disease
Official title: Characterization of Selenomonas sputigena pathogenesis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10810907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific bacteria called Selenomonas sputigena, which is connected to gum disease, to see how it causes inflammation and damage in your mouth, and how it interacts with gum cells and other bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | September 10, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $301,350 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE032411-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from periodontal disease or those with high levels of Selenomonas sputigena in their oral microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not harbor Selenomonas sputigena may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Selenomonas sputigena, a type of bacteria linked to gum disease, in causing inflammation and tissue damage in the mouth. The study aims to understand how this bacteria interacts with gum cells and other bacteria, and how it may evade the immune response. By examining the bacteria's movement and ability to form biofilms, the research seeks to uncover its pathogenic properties and their implications for periodontal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontal disease by targeting the mechanisms of Selenomonas sputigena.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific pathogenic mechanisms of Selenomonas sputigena are not well-studied, similar research on other periodontal bacteria has shown promising results in understanding their role in gum disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Daniel Patrick — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Miller, Daniel Patrick
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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.