Understanding how a specific bacterial enzyme affects Alzheimer’s-related inflammation
Official title: Functional Characterizations of Phospholipase A2 in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11447064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how a bacterial enzyme in Porphyromonas gingivalis interacts with inflammation that may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, with potential to inform new ways to protect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $473,186 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035482-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to this grant; no direct patient enrollment described.
✕Less likely to help
There is no patient participation required for this grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at how two enzymes from a mouth bacterium may drive inflammatory signals that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing the bacterial genes and how they stimulate human cells, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that connect gum disease with brain inflammation. The study integrates genomic analysis, cell experiments, and inflammatory readouts to map the pathway from bacteria to inflammation. If the pathway is clarified, it could guide future strategies to reduce inflammation and possibly lower dementia risk. The work emphasizes the importance of oral health in overall brain health and could point to biomarkers or targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s-related inflammation could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown associations between periodontal bacteria and inflammatory markers linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Chunhao Chris — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Li, Chunhao Chris
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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.