Understanding how a specific germ causes severe gum disease
A novel mechanism of virulence control in Porphyromonas gingivalis
This research explores how a particular type of bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, causes severe gum disease by looking at its unique defense system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, is a complex infection where many germs work together to harm the tissues supporting your teeth. A key challenge is figuring out which specific signals from these germs lead to the disease getting worse. Our team found that a defense system within the Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria, called CRISPR-Cas, becomes very active when gum disease progresses in people. This project aims to uncover how this CRISPR-Cas system helps P. gingivalis become more harmful, contributing to the disease. We will compare the genetic activity of normal bacteria with altered versions to see how this system affects their ability to cause infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the bacteria responsible for severe adult periodontitis.
Not a fit: Patients without severe adult periodontitis or those whose condition is not primarily driven by Porphyromonas gingivalis may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat severe gum disease by targeting how Porphyromonas gingivalis causes harm.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of CRISPR-Cas in P. gingivalis virulence is a novel focus, prior research has identified the upregulation of these systems in human clinical samples during disease progression.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frias-Lopez, Jorge — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Frias-Lopez, Jorge
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.