Understanding the role of a specific oral bacterium in diseases like Alzheimer's
Official title: Decoding the glycome of oral Treponema denticola
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10945928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a germ called Treponema denticola that can affect your mouth and might be linked to other health issues like Alzheimer's, and it aims to understand how this germ causes inflammation and bone loss, which could help you learn more about the connection between your oral health and overall well-being.
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 start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $504,324 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034063-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with periodontal disease or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no oral health issues or those not at risk for systemic diseases related to oral bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the bacterium Treponema denticola, which is linked to oral diseases and systemic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to uncover how this bacterium contributes to inflammation and bone loss, using advanced techniques in bioinformatics, genetics, and immunology. By decoding the glycome of this bacterium, researchers hope to identify its virulence factors and their implications for health. Patients may gain insights into the connections between oral health and systemic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of diseases like Alzheimer's by addressing oral health factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between oral bacteria and systemic diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Chunhao Chris — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Li, Chunhao Chris
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.