Oral Biology and research

Dr. Hua Xie is currently conducting two studies on behalf of the NIDCR.

Hua Xie, D.D.S.
Identification of a novel signaling network in Porphyromonas gingivalis
National Institute of Dental/Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
P. gingivalis is an anaerobic gram-negative bacterium that is strongly associated with adult periodontitis. The goal of Dr. Xie's work is to identify and study a quorum-sensing molecule responsible for induction of differential expression of several virulence genes. Findings from this work should provide new opportunities to design drugs to interfere with initiation and formation of the P. gingivalis biofilms.

Hua Xie, D.D.S.
Distribution correlation of P. gingivalis and S. cristatus in dental plaque
National Institute of Dental/Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen associated with adult periodontitis affecting a large proportion of the population, and blacks are more likely to exhibit periodontitis than whites with odds ratio between 2.09 and 2.4 in U.S. adults. Dr. Xie is examining microbial profiles of moderate periodontitis, severe periodontitis, and periodontal health individuals in African Americans and Caucasians. Findings from this work will significantly enhance our understanding of the key role of indigenous microbial communities in influencing human health and health disparities.