Characterisation Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis And Treponema Denticola Interactions In The Development Of A Pathogenic Biofilm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,200.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will determine the mechanisms by which two bacterial species work together to produce the pathogenic dental plaque that causes disease.
Polymicrobial Interactions In Chronic Periodontitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,133.00
Summary
In this study we will determine how three pathogenic species of bacteria interact. Together these species are associated with periodontitis and they produce toxic compounds that may cause tissue damage. Using the newly emerging technologies of metabolomics and transcriptomics we will characterise these interactions. This will identify potential diagnostic biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets.
The Role Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Outer Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis In Virulence And Immunomodulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,288.00
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis. This bacterium exists as part of a biofilm on the surface of the tooth and selectively packages enzymes, toxins and antigens on to vesicles that penetrate host tissue and cause the inflammatory response that is associated with disease progression. In this study we will determine the host response to vesicles and determine the role of a specific protein in vesicle biogenesis.
Characterisation Of A Novel Porphyromonas Gingivalis Regulatory Protein That Controls Virulence Related Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,620.00
Summary
In this study we will characterise the manner in which genes essential for the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis, are regulated. This will provide information on how this bacterium causes disease and may offer opportunities for the development of new treatment strategies.
Development Of Antimicrobial Peptides Targeting Oral Pathogenic Bacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,350.00
Summary
The bacterial associated oral diseases; periodontitis and caries are major public health problems. The prevalence of these diseases and increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance has meant there is a need to develop new therapies. This project addresses this by modifying a novel class of antibiotics/antiseptics �antimicrobial peptides� to target oral bacteria and testing them using a newly developed screening method. This project will lead to new therapies for periodontitis and caries.