Understanding how microbes interact in the oral microbiome
Official title: Differentiation of Microbe-microbe Interactions at Single-cell Level Through Unconventional Utilization of Expansion Microscopy
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11111306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different germs in your mouth work together and stick to each other, which can help us understand how your oral health affects your overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,216 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DE033794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with oral health issues or those at risk for chronic diseases associated with oral microbiome imbalances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no oral health concerns or those not affected by chronic diseases related to the oral microbiome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between different microbes in the oral microbiome, which is crucial for both oral and systemic health. By using advanced techniques like expansion microscopy and multiplex FISH imaging, the study aims to analyze how these microbes adhere to each other and how this affects their function. This approach will help clarify whether the proximity of microbes is due to functional relationships or random occurrences, providing deeper insights into microbial community dynamics. The findings could lead to better understanding of how oral health impacts overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing oral health and preventing chronic diseases linked to oral microbiome dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized advanced imaging techniques to study microbial interactions, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Pu-Ting — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dong, Pu-Ting
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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.