Understanding the role of a specific oral bacterium in diseases like Alzheimer's

Decoding the glycome of oral Treponema denticola

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10945928

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10945928 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with periodontal disease or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with no oral health issues or those not at risk for systemic diseases related to oral bacteria may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.