This research focuses on the complex interplay between oral bacteria and host tissues, paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies against oral and systemic diseases.
U-M BME’s Jiahe Li, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, and first author and postdoctoral fellow Zeyang Pang, Ph.D., are aiming to understand bacterial-host interactions in the oral cavity with their innovative asymmetric gas co culture platform. This research, published in the International Journal of Oral Science, focuses on the complex interplay between oral bacteria and host tissues, paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies against oral and systemic diseases.
A New Perspective for Oral Health Research
The oral cavity is more than just the starting point for digestion; it’s teeming with diverse microorganisms that can either contribute to positive oral health or drive inflammatory diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to Dr. Li, “Oral bacteria play critical roles, not only in local oral health, but potentially in systemic health through inflammatory pathways.” Understanding these interactions is crucial, yet current research methodologies often fall short in accuracy and representativeness. “For example, imbalances in the oral microbiome, potentially caused by factors such as antibiotics can disrupt the barrier integrity and lead to inflammation,” Dr. Li said.
Challenging Current Methodologies
Traditional coculture systems face significant limitations, particularly when anaerobic bacteria—those that thrive in oxygen-free environments—are involved. “Anaerobic bacteria often struggle to maintain viability in conventional settings due to the presence of oxygen,” explained Dr. Pang. This restriction confines studies to less than 12 hours and limits the ability to replicate the true oxygen gradient of the oral cavity.
“Our system goes beyond conventional models by creating an artificial environment that closely mimics the oral cavity,” Pang said. “The key was in developing an asymmetric gas coculture system capable of accurately replicating the simultaneous anaerobic and normoxic conditions present in the mouth.”
Innovative Solutions and Future Applications
Dr. Li, emphasizing the significance of their work, said, “This platform isn’t just another scientific advancement; it’s a paradigm shift toward human-centric research models. Our approach aligns with recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines that favor human-relevant models over traditional animal testing.” This platform allows for more reliable drug screenings and a deeper exploration of host-microbe interactions than previous studies. Dr. Li added that his lab’s research on an ex vivo model studying the interaction between oral bacteria and epithelial cells focuses on preventing periodontal diseases by examining two bacterial strains. Employing key oral pathobionts such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, the study harnesses the platform to shed light on their pathogenic mechanisms. “These organisms are especially intriguing due to their implications in periodontal and systemic diseases,” said Dr. Li.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of this project is founded on longstanding collaborations with the American Dental Association’s Science and Research Institute, based in Cambridge, Mass., and researchers such as Dr. Thomas Schmidt, Professor, Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology. “Our collaboration has been integral in refining our models and approaches,” Dr. Li said.
Beyond the Oral Cavity
Looking ahead, Drs. Pang and Li envision their platform’s applications extending beyond oral health. “This isn’t just about understanding the oral cavity,” Dr. Pang said. “We’re setting the stage for future investigations into drug screening and therapeutic development with far-reaching implications.”
As this research unfolds, it not only promises to deepen our understanding of oral bacteria’s role in disease, but also sets a course for new, effective treatment possibilities that could mitigate the impacts of oral diseases worldwide. Dr. Pang added, “It’s the beginning of a journey that could redefine how we approach and treat oral and associated systemic diseases.”