Understanding how oral microbes interact at the single-cell level
Official title: Differentiation of Microbe-microbe Interactions at Single-cell Level Through Unconventional Utilization of Expansion Microscopy
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11623237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at uncovering how bacteria in the mouth stick together and influence each other, using advanced imaging to reveal functional connections at the microscopic level.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,918 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DE033794-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11623237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with varying oral health conditions who consent to imaging-based studies of oral microbial communities.
✕Less likely to help
People without access to dental clinics or who cannot participate in imaging-based studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses expansion microscopy and multiplex FISH to study how oral bacteria adhere and interact within biofilms. By examining single cells within complex communities, researchers hope to distinguish meaningful microbial partnerships from random proximity. The work addresses a major gap between who is present in the mouth and how those microbes affect health beyond the mouth. Findings could shed light on how oral microbial organization relates to systemic diseases and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve our understanding of oral health and its links to systemic conditions, guiding better prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that spatial organization of oral microbes relates to function, but single-cell functional insights are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Pu-Ting — State University New York Stony Brook
- 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.