Understanding how bacteria in dental plaque stick together
Regulation in Fusobacterium-mediated coaggregation
This research explores how different types of bacteria in your mouth, especially one called *Fusobacterium nucleatum*, work together to form dental plaque and cause gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Dental plaque and gum disease affect many adults, and this project aims to understand the complex ways bacteria interact within this plaque. We are focusing on a key bacterium, *Fusobacterium nucleatum*, which is known for its ability to stick to many other bacteria in the mouth. By developing new tools to study these bacteria, we hope to uncover the specific mechanisms that control how they coaggregate. This knowledge could help us find new ways to prevent or treat gum disease and other health issues linked to these bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who are affected by or at risk for dental plaque and periodontal diseases.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing or at risk for dental plaque and periodontal diseases may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating common gum diseases and potentially other conditions linked to oral bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood, other studies have shown the importance of bacterial interactions in dental plaque formation.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Chenggang — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Chenggang
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.