Understanding how bacteria attach to teeth and form dental plaque
Official title: Molecular Assembly on the Cell Surface of Actinomyces
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10980929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in dental plaque stick together and to your teeth, which can help us find better ways to treat gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $428,528 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DE017382-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing dental issues related to plaque, such as chronic periodontitis or gingivitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dental plaque-related conditions or those who do not seek dental care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between bacteria that form dental plaque, focusing on Actinomyces oris, a key early colonizer in the oral cavity. By examining the adhesive properties of specific proteins involved in these interactions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to the development of oral biofilms associated with diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. The approach includes genetic analysis and protein characterization to understand how these bacteria adhere to tooth surfaces and each other. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for oral diseases caused by these biofilms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for preventing and treating dental diseases linked to plaque formation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial interactions in oral biofilms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ton-That, Hung — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ton-That, Hung
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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.