Understanding how P. gingivalis builds its protective capsule and surface lipids
Official title: Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling P. gingivalis Surface Structures
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11306005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the mouth bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis makes its capsule and surface lipids, which may influence gum disease and heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Somerville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 2, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $592,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with periodontal disease or at risk for cardiovascular disease may benefit from future therapies derived from these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without periodontal disease or cardiovascular risk may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project investigates the molecular players that control capsule production and membrane lipids in P. gingivalis, focusing on DNABII proteins and an antisense RNA called asSuGR. By examining how these factors affect capsule formation and surface molecules, scientists aim to connect biofilm behavior with a shift toward virulence. The work involves molecular biology in the bacteria and may reveal targets to modulate bacterial surface traits that influence disease risk. Outcomes could inform future therapies to reduce oral bacterial virulence and its impact on cardiovascular conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce bacterial virulence in the mouth, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk linked to periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that surface structures and virulence factors in oral bacteria can be modulated by regulatory RNAs and DNABII proteins, with ongoing exploration needed for therapeutic translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Somerville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davey, Mary Ellen — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Davey, Mary Ellen
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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.