Understanding Oral Bacteria and Nitrosative Stress
Nitrosative Stress and Oral Bacteria
This research explores how bacteria in your mouth handle stress from natural compounds, aiming to find new ways to keep your mouth healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160600 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our mouths naturally contain high levels of certain compounds like nitrite and nitric oxide, which can act as signals and even as natural antibacterial agents. Oral bacteria have learned to survive these stressful conditions, and we believe that by understanding how they adapt, we can develop new strategies to control their growth. This project focuses on a specific type of bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is linked to gum disease. We are working to uncover the exact molecular steps these bacteria use to sense and respond to stress, which could lead to better treatments for oral infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications may benefit adults experiencing oral bacterial infections or gum disease.
Not a fit: Patients without oral bacterial issues or those seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibacterial treatments that target specific weaknesses in oral bacteria, potentially improving gum health and preventing infections.
How similar studies have performed: While nitrite and nitric oxide are recognized as potential antibacterial agents, the specific molecular pathways of bacterial adaptation to nitrosative stress in oral bacteria are largely unknown, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Janina P — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Janina P
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.