Understanding the role of microbes in early childhood tooth decay
Official title: Investigating the microbial basis of early childhood caries via integrative analysis of metagenomics metatranscriptomics and metabolomics
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11039116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny germs in kids' mouths can lead to tooth decay in young children, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent cavities and keep their smiles healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $148,614 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE034507-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of six who are at risk for or currently experiencing early childhood caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of six or those without any signs of dental decay may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the microbial factors contributing to early childhood caries (ECC), a common dental issue in children under six. By utilizing advanced techniques like metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics, the study aims to analyze the complex interactions between oral microbes and the development of tooth decay. The goal is to develop new statistical methods and machine learning strategies to better understand these interactions and identify potential prevention strategies. This research aligns with the principles of precision medicine, aiming to improve oral health outcomes for young children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative prevention strategies for early childhood tooth decay, improving dental health in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using omics approaches to understand various health conditions, suggesting that this integrative method could yield valuable insights into early childhood caries.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Di — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wu, Di
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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.