Understanding how viruses that infect bacteria affect gum disease
Uncovering the roles of phages in the ecology of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal disease
This study is looking at how tiny viruses that attack bacteria, called phages, affect the bacteria in your mouth, especially one linked to gum disease, to better understand their role in oral health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10646368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacterial viruses, known as phages, in the ecology of oral microbial communities, particularly focusing on the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is linked to periodontal disease. The study aims to uncover how these phages interact with bacteria in the mouth, potentially influencing bacterial populations and their behavior. By examining the presence of phages integrated into the genomes of P. gingivalis, researchers hope to understand their impact on oral health and disease. This work involves analyzing samples from the oral cavity to explore the dynamics of these interactions over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with periodontal disease or those at risk of developing it.
Not a fit: Patients without any oral health issues or those not affected by periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating periodontal disease by targeting bacterial viruses.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of phages in other environments has been studied, this specific investigation into their impact on periodontal disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kauffman, Kathryn M — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kauffman, Kathryn M
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 below.