Environmental modulation of the structure P. gingivalis surface macromolecules and effects on virulence.

牙周炎是一种支持牙齿结构的慢性炎症性疾病。疾病进展导致牙齿过早脱落，严重的口腔畸形和咀嚼能力丧失。中度严重疾病影响43%的人口。这种疾病是由细菌引起的，细菌在牙齿/牙龈界面上形成复杂的菌落（生物膜），并在易感个体中引起炎症。某些特定的细菌与牙周炎有关，一种常见的细菌被称为牙龈卟啉单胞菌。它具有根据当地条件改变其外部结构的能力。似乎在炎症、温度升高和血液制品浓度升高的情况下，这些变化可能会增加细菌引起牙周炎的能力。本研究的目的是在实验模型中重建牙齿/牙龈界面，然后我们可以进一步研究不同环境条件下细菌的变化。然后建议将这些实验条件转移到动物模型中以进一步研究这些相互作用。结果和益处了解细菌和个体之间复杂的相互作用将使我们能够开发诊断和治疗这种常见和使人衰弱的疾病的技术。

Background Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the structures that support the teeth. Disease progression leads to premature tooth loss and significant oral disfigurement and loss of ability to chew. Moderately severe disease affects 43% of the population. The disease is initiated by bacteria that form a complex colony (biofilm) on the tooth/gum interface and induce inflammation in a susceptible individual. Certain specific bacteria are associated with periodontitis, one common bacteria being called Porphyromonas gingivalis. This has the ability to change its outer structure depending on local conditions. It seems that in conditions of inflammation, increased temperature and higher concentration of blood products, the changes may offer the bacteria an increased ability to cause periodontitis.Nature of Proposed Research The aim of this study is to recreate this tooth/gum interface in an experimental model in which we can then further investigate the changes to the bacteria with different environmental conditions. It is then proposed to transfer these experimental conditions into an animal model to further investigate these interactions.Outcomes and Benefits Understanding these complex interactions between bacteria and individual will enable us to develop techniques for diagnosing and treating this common and debilitating disease.