NMR/OPTICAL Microscopy Studies of Oral Plaque Ecology
EMSL Project ID
35195
Abstract
Current tooth decay (dental caries) prevention methods include enamel hardening with fluoride and bacterial removal via mechanical and general antimicrobial approaches. These methods are based on the knowledge that oral plaque bacteria ferment dietary carbohydrates to produce pH-reducing organic acids. Initial reductions in caries incidence observed upon widespread implementation of these measures reached a plateau decades ago. Further development of these 'remove and kill all' approaches are not likely to significantly improve oral health. Revolutionary advancements can only be achieved by expanding our understanding of the microorganism- mediated processes leading to tooth decay. This will require a detailed picture of dental plaque organisms, their metabolic activities and interactions. The long-term objective of this application is to combine and apply (established) advanced technologies to provide a detailed understanding of the biological processes involved in cariogenesis. This will include a comprehensive analysis of the cariogenic potential of known pathogens and their influence on acid production.
We will combine sophisticated, species-specific in vivo labeling tools (monoclonal antibodies and fluorescent protein-expressing bacteria) with monitoring of acid production (pH-sensitive dyes, fluorescent proteins and NMR profiling). These tools will reveal details of the processes in dental plaques regarding species, interspecies interactions and the metabolic processes contributing to cariogenic (acid-producing) or healthy (homeostatic) conditions.
Today, more that 40% of children under 10 years of age and over 85% of the adult population in the United States still suffer from dental Caries disease. This project will provide a revolutionary improvement of our understanding of Caries processes and is appropriate for a Biological Science Theme Proposal. The successful completion of this project will require access to EMSL's unique NMR/CLSM microscopy capabilities.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2010-10-06
End Date
2011-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members