Molecular approach to study virulence factors in Porphyromonas gingivalis

The anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the main pathogens in the development of periodontitis. This oral inflammatory disease can lead to severe bone-loss of the teeth supporting tissues, leading to tooth loss. Previous studies found many protease genes in the genome of this pathogen. One of the proteases, gingipain, is considered to be the most potent virulence factor by binding and cleaving a wide range of host proteins.

The goal of this project is to study the functions of the proteases in P. gingivalis by use of molecular biological techniques. Techniques that will be used are:

• PCR;
• cloning;
• electro-transformation;
• anaerobic culturing;
• microscopic examination;
• double immunodiffusion etc.

For detailed information on the projects, please contact

Dr. Dongmei Deng
Department of Cariology Endodontology Pedodontology and Oral microbiology
Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, Room 13N-37
E-mail: d.deng@acta.nl
Tel: +31 0(20) 59 80675