Relationship Between Periodontal Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,657.00
Summary
Periodontal (gum) disease and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases affecting humans. These two diseases have remarkably similar patterns of tissue destruction. It is possible that individuals with chronic periodontitis may prime or predispose individuals prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of periodontal disease may help reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
A Multi-protein Vaccine Targeting The Oral Pathogens Associated With Chronic Periodontitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,692.00
Summary
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with specific bacteria leading to the destruction of the toothÍs supporting tissues and ultimately tooth loss and is a major public health problem in all societies. Our research is focused on designing a vaccine that targets the major bacteria associated with periodontitis. We aim to produce a triple antigen vaccine and investigate the applicability of a vaccine administered under the tongue as an alternative to needle injections.
The Bacterial Type IX Secretion System In Polymicrobial Dysbiosis And Chronic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,900,000.00
Summary
Periodontitis (severe gum disease) affects 1 in 3 adults and has been linked with heart attacks, cancer and dementia. I will lead a multidisciplinary team investigating the interaction between disease causing bacteria in the mouth and the immune response which results in destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues and allows bacteria to enter the blood stream. The expected outcome is the development of a novel therapy which will stop progression of disease associated with these pathogens.
Sequencing Periodontal Bacteria To Determine The Relationship Between Periodontits, Renal And Vascular Function Among Indigenous Australian Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,644.00
Summary
Almost 20% of Indigenous Australian adults exhibit signs of kidney disease. This study will investigate the relationship between sub-gingival (below the gum) bacteria and both kidney and artery function among Indigenous Australian participants with chronic kidney disease. Using an RCT design, the proposed study will investigate whether changes in sub-gingival bacteria and concentration following conventional treatment of periodontitis align with improvements in renal and vascular function.
Citrullination In Rheumatic And Non-rheumatic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,699.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition affecting about 1% of the population, leading to damage of joints and subsequently impaired function. This damage is caused by an immune system which rather than defending the host against threats such as infections, inadvertently attacks the host leading to joint damage. Ultimately a better understanding of the abnormal immune responses in patients with RA will allow us to more accurately the diagnose and manage this condition
Development Of Specific Inhibitors Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Based On Their Cognate Propeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,655.00
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 develop novel peptide-based therapeutics to inhibit the proteases that enable these bacteria to cause disease.
The RgpA-Kgp Proteinase-adhesin Complex And Virulence Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,310.00
Summary
Periodontitis is a bacterial-associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth which can result in tooth loss. The disease is a major public health problem with a large economic burden. A bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major causative agent of chronic periodontitis. We have identified a major virulence factor of P. gingivalis. This virulence factor is a complex of proteins, encoded by two genes, and is involved in binding and destruction of h ....Periodontitis is a bacterial-associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth which can result in tooth loss. The disease is a major public health problem with a large economic burden. A bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major causative agent of chronic periodontitis. We have identified a major virulence factor of P. gingivalis. This virulence factor is a complex of proteins, encoded by two genes, and is involved in binding and destruction of host tissue. When used as a vaccine in animal models the protein complex protects against P. gingivalis infection. Animal protective sera recognises a segment of the protein complex involved in binding to host substrates. The aim of this project is to continue this work on the characterisation of this complex and its role in virulence in an approach to ultimately develop a defined vaccine against P. gingivalis based on this protein complex, in particular the sequences involved in binding. The expected outcome of this research is the further biochemical characterisation of the RgpA-Kgp protein complex and its role in virulence as well as development of a defined vaccine prepared using recombinant DNA and chemical synthesis techniques that protects against P. gingivalis infection in animal models of disease.Read moreRead less
Polymicrobial Pathogenesis In A Murine Periodontitis Model.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,500.00
Summary
Severe periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth's supporting tissues and is associated with specific pathogenic bacteria. The disease has a large economic burden and is a major public health problem. Three bacterial species have recently been shown to be closely associated with advanced periodontal disease in humans. One of these three bacterial species has been shown to produce periodontal disease in a mouse model of disease and the major proteins on the cell surface o ....Severe periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth's supporting tissues and is associated with specific pathogenic bacteria. The disease has a large economic burden and is a major public health problem. Three bacterial species have recently been shown to be closely associated with advanced periodontal disease in humans. One of these three bacterial species has been shown to produce periodontal disease in a mouse model of disease and the major proteins on the cell surface of this bacterium have been characterized. Further, in this mouse model it has been demonstrated that killed cells of the bacterium or the major surface proteins when used as a vaccine prevent development of disease. The purpose of the current proposal is to extend this work to include all three bacterial species that have been associated with disease in humans. The major surface proteins of all these bacterial species when grown together as high density polymicrobial complexes will be determined. Recent results have shown that in high-density, polymicrobial cultures bacteria communicate using signalling systems which can alter the expression of cell surface proteins associated with disease. The ability of the three bacterial species, when grown in polymicrobial culture, to cause periodontal disease in the mouse model will be determined. This will allow the determination of whether a single species and-or multispecies vaccine is capable of protecting against disease in this model. The significance of the work is that it will increase our understanding of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease and it may lead to the development of an effective vaccine to help prevent disease in humans.Read moreRead less