Generation Of Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells And Their Potential Use In Periodontal Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,350.00
Summary
Dental diseases affecting the gums (periodontal diseases) are extremely prevalent. The effects of periodontal disease can be particularly severe as loss of support for the teeth leads to loose teeth and severely compromised chewing function. If left untreated, the associated loss of function may necessitate extraction of the teeth. We propose to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from gums and explore whether they can be used to restore periodontal tissues damaged by periodontal disease.
This proposal aims to examine how the oral bacterial pathogen, P.gingivalis, interacts with the host to worsen the severity of disease in rheumatoid arthritis. We propose a new mechanism whereby the pathogen directly activates a major destructive host pathway to promote tissue and bone destruction, which are two of the clinical hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis. We also propose that this host-pathogen interaction occurs in periodontal disease.
Complement Inhibitors For Treatment Of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,606.00
Summary
We aim to provide new therapeutic approaches to gum disease, which not only causes tooth loss, but also contributes to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We will find new methods to inhibit a system in our own bodies that contributes to inflammation and gum disease and test the effects of these methods of inhibition in disease models. In this way, we hope to lessen the burden of gum disease on the Australian population.
Cementogenesis And New Periodontal Attachment Formation Using Cell Sheets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,787.00
Summary
Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects 30-40% of the population and is a leading cause of soft and hard tissue destruction around teeth and tooth loss. Current treatment does not regenerate lost tissues resulting in inferior aesthetics and function. By using oral tissue engineered in the laboratory capable of supporting the growth and differentiation of cells necessary to achieve regeneration, the original structure and function of previously destroyed tissue may be restored.
Associations Between Periodontal Disease And Cardiovascular Surrogate Endpoints In An Adult Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,346,328.00
Summary
The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular surrogate endpoints, both of which are high among the Indigenous Australian population, is established. This study seeks to explore the prevalence of cardiovascular surrogate endpoints among this population with periodontal disease, and to determine if implementation of a periodontal intervention leads to improved cardiovascular risk outcomes. There may be benefit in applying this model to other areas of Indigenous health research.
Targeting Histone Deacetylases 1 And 5 To Reduce Inflammation And Bone Loss In Periodontitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,745.00
Summary
Bone loss and tooth loosening are serious complications in periodontitis. Despite the prevalence of this disease current treatments do not directly stop the bone loss. Our recent laboratory studies show inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity with very low doses of inhibitors can effectively suppress this bone loss in periodontitis. This project aims to investigate specific targeting inhibitors of HDAC 1 and HDAC 5 to treat periodontitis by enhancing bone formation and reducing bone loss.
Cellular Contributions To PAR-2's Essential Role In Periodontal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,786.00
Summary
Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums, which ultimately causes loss of teeth. It is a debilitating condition affecting about 20% of Australian adults. PAR-2, a receptor for protein-degrading enzymes, which is present on cells in the gums, is known to be required for development of the disease. This project will investigate the mechanism of PAR-2’s involvement in periodontal disease and provide ideas for development of treatments.