Understanding how Veillonella bacteria produce heme to inhibit harmful bacteria in the mouth
Official title: Hemin Production by Veillonella: A Novel Mechanism in Inhibiting P. gingivalis Hemolysis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10952111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a friendly bacteria called Veillonella, found in your mouth, helps produce a nutrient that could protect against a harmful bacteria linked to gum disease, and it aims to find out how this could improve oral health and prevent problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | September 17, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034098-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from periodontal disease or those at risk of developing it due to bacterial imbalances in the oral cavity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have periodontal disease or related oral health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Veillonella, a type of bacteria found in dental plaque, in producing heme, a vital nutrient for other bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is linked to periodontal disease. The study aims to understand how Veillonella's heme production can inhibit the harmful effects of P. gingivalis, particularly its ability to break down red blood cells and cause inflammation. By using advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and protease assays, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this interaction, potentially revealing new insights into oral health and disease prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating periodontal disease by targeting bacterial interactions in the mouth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting Veillonella's heme production is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial interactions in oral health.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Peng — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Peng
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.