Understanding how the epithelial barrier functions in oral diseases
Official title: Regulation of epithelial barrier
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11098756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain factors, like pressure and bacteria, affect the protective layer in your mouth, which is important for preventing gum diseases like periodontitis and peri-implantitis, and the findings could help improve how we manage or prevent these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $432,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031046-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with periodontitis or peri-implantitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any oral diseases or conditions affecting the epithelial barrier may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate the epithelial barrier in oral diseases like periodontitis and peri-implantitis. By using both in vivo and in vitro models, researchers will explore how factors such as mechanical pressure and bacterial signals affect the integrity of the epithelial barrier. The study focuses on key proteins like FOXO1, E-cadherin, and β-catenin, which play crucial roles in maintaining this barrier. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to better manage or prevent these oral diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from periodontitis and peri-implantitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding epithelial barrier functions, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alimperti, Stella — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Alimperti, Stella
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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.