Infectious Diseases and Immunity Branch
Division of Basic and Translational Sciences
We are seeking Concept Clearance for a Request for Applications (RFA) that will stimulate research that utilizes contemporary high-throughput technology and bioinformatics to identify and characterize genes (genomics) and proteins (proteomics) that are associated with periodontal diseases and health. Findings from these studies will establish a scientific basis for identification of logical targets for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissues that surround and support the teeth. These diseases are complex, having both genetic, microbial, immunological and environmental factors determining disease risk, progression, and course. Periodontal diseases are a significant public health burden in the United States, with total expenditure of $14.3 billion in 1999 on treatment and preventive procedures.
During the last five years there have been remarkable advances in genomics, with the sequencing of the genomes of humans, model eukaryotic organisms, and several periodontal bacteria. Hundreds of new species of oral bacteria have been identified by 16S ribosomal RNA genetic techniques. Researchers now have a more complete appreciation of the importance and complexity of the microbial biofilms, the host immune responses involved in chronic inflammation, molecular analysis of alveolar bone loss, and the biological basis for accelerated tissue regeneration. Similarly, improvements in high throughput techniques have led to advances in the study of all the proteins produced by a cell or tissue under defined conditions.
Genomics and proteomics provide a new gateway to understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Based on public feedback to the NIDCR, spectacular advances can be made in periodontal molecular medicine by better understanding and utilizing a comprehensive approach to studying the genes and proteins of the host and oral bacteria. This initiative will encourage increased research in these areas, particularly in the area of functional genomics and proteomics in which the role of all genes and proteins in pathogenesis and/or virulence are determined. The initiative will also stress comprehensive bioinformatics technology that will collate and make available to all researchers the tremendous amount of data that will be generated by these genomic and proteomic studies.