Gum disease can now be stopped thanks to OU researchers. A group of students and professors from various departments unearthed a molecule arresting the development of thrush, an oral yeast infection, recently.
The study began in 2008 when researchers decided to focus on the bacteria mutanobactin A after researchers at the Health Sciences Center, headed by microbiologist, Dr. Felicia Qi, sequenced four strains of Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Qi, who has been sequencing the microbe’s genome since 2002, said S. mutans bacteria is present in everyone’s mouth, but the strain differs from person to person, which provides for interesting findings.
“We think these differences may determine whether a particular bug is more virulent than another strain,” Qi said in an e-mail.
Robert Cichewicz , assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said he became involved after Qi approached his group after discovering an unexpected gene in the Streptococcus mutants. After reviewing the data, he became intrigued.
“Almost nothing is known about the natural products produced by microbes that live in humans,” Cichewicz said in an e-mail, “despite the fact that the adult human body has more bacteria than cells.”
Cichewicz said knowing the structures and properties of the bacteria is important to shed light on the relationship that exists between humans, microbes and disease.
“(S. Mutans) is one of the few examples of a complex natural product made by microbes in the body,” Cichewicz said. “It appears to inhibit the transition of Candida Albicans into its pathogenic form. It could have some very important medical applications.”
These applications include new and better drugs for treating infections and provide antibiotics that are not as susceptible to becoming resistant, according to a press release.
The discovery of this molecule also carries with it implications for the university.
“Exciting discoveries help OU attract the best students,” former postdoctoral researcher Dr. Matthew Joyner said. “From a more business-centered view, (a discovery) brings in publicity and potential funding for more research.”
Qi said it also benefits her mind and her field. Qi is a member of the OU Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry, according to a press release.
“It keeps my brain active, and keeps my students updated in the current research and development in the field,” Qi said.
Aside from being lucrative for the mind, studies like this one provide real-world job experience for students, Chichewicz said.
“Your (bachelor’s of science) degree only puts you on par with your peers. However, we (the faculty) can offer the students a critical advantages,” Chichewicz said. “It is not the core curriculum that sets you apart from others; it is the wealth of unique discoveries that your professors shared with you that give you one-of-a-kind knowledge.”
This “one-of-a-kind” knowledge is perpetuated by the different disciplines involved on each project, particularly this one, Joyner said.
“Having experts in both fields allowed us to quickly identify the chemical structure and important chemical features of this new molecule,” Joyner said. “Good collaborations allow great work to happen much faster since everyone is able to contribute in their own expertise”
Chichewicz said there is little end to the project in sight.
“I think things are just getting started,” Chichewicz said.
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