Patricia Diaz, Empire Innovation Professor
School of Dental Medicine
The human body is filled with friendly bacteria. However, some of these microorganisms, such as Veillonella parvula, may be too nice.
These peaceful bacteria engage in a one-sided relationship with pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, helping the germ multiply and cause gum disease, according to a new UB-led study.
The research sought to understand how P. gingivalis colonizes the mouth. The pathogen is unable to produce its own growth molecules until it achieves a large population in the oral microbiome the community of microorganisms that live on and inside the body.
The answer: It borrows growth molecules from V. parvula, a common yet harmless bacteria in the mouth whose growth is not population dependent.
Microbiome study: Gum disease-causing bacteria borrow growth molecules from neighbors to thrive
Patricia Diaz, DDS, PhD, Professor of Empire Innovation in the UB School of Dental Medicine and director of the UB Microbiome Center.
“Successfully targeting the accessory pathogen V. parvula should prevent P. gingivalis from expanding within the oral microbial community to pathogenic levels. ”
Patricia Diaz, DDS, PhD, Professor of Empire Innovation and director, UB Microbiome Center
School of Dental Medicine
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The human body is filled with friendly bacteria. However, some of these microorganisms, such as Veillonella parvula, may be too nice. These peaceful bacteria engage in a one-sided relationship with pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, helping the germ multiply and cause gum disease, according to a new University at Buffalo-led study.