Understanding how aging affects bone loss in gum disease
Official title: The role of cellular senescence in bone loss and recovery in periodontal disease
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11040235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging cells affect bone loss in people with gum disease, and it aims to find out if a special treatment can help improve bone health for those who haven't had success with other options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R03DE032101-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing periodontal disease, particularly those who are older and may be at higher risk for bone loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with periodontal disease who are younger and do not exhibit signs of age-related bone loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cellular senescence, or the aging of cells, in the loss of bone associated with periodontal disease, which is a common cause of tooth loss in adults. The study aims to identify mechanisms that contribute to age-related bone loss in periodontal disease, particularly focusing on the accumulation of senescent cells. By using a model that mimics periodontal disease in mice, researchers will explore how treatments that target these senescent cells, such as the drug fisetin, can potentially improve bone recovery. This could lead to new therapies for patients who do not respond to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse bone loss in patients with periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting senescent cells for various age-related conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective in treating periodontal disease as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kittaka, Mizuho — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Kittaka, Mizuho
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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.