University of Louisville

Targeting Ptk1: A Potential Strategy for Treating Periodontal Disease

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Biology and Individualized Major

Minor

Arabic

Institution 24-25

University of Louisville

KY House District #

84

KY Senate District #

30

Department

Department of Oral Biology

Abstract

This study will investigate Ptk1, a bacterial tyrosine kinase in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease results from microbial interactions in the oral cavity, with P. gingivalis playing a key role. Ptk1 is hypothesized to contribute to disease by mediating interactions within the microbial community. The project will isolate and purify Ptk1 from Escherichia coli strains to >90% purity and study its role in tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways that regulate bacterial functions.

Mutant P. gingivalis strains with disrupted Ptk1 will be created to examine its impact on bacterial interactions. Ptk1 will be expressed in E. coli, purified, and subjected to phosphorylation assays to assess its activity. The research will also analyze how Ptk1 affects biofilm formation, particularly its role in exopolysaccharide production, which is crucial for biofilm structure and virulence.

The goal of this research is to identify potential therapeutic targets for periodontal disease by understanding how Ptk1 regulates biofilm formation and microbial interactions. Disrupting these processes could offer new strategies for treating periodontal disease. This study builds on previous research showing the importance of bacterial tyrosine kinases in regulating cellular functions and highlights the role of P. gingivalis in periodontal disease. The findings could lead to targeted therapies aimed at bacterial kinases for treating chronic oral infections.

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Targeting Ptk1: A Potential Strategy for Treating Periodontal Disease

This study will investigate Ptk1, a bacterial tyrosine kinase in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease results from microbial interactions in the oral cavity, with P. gingivalis playing a key role. Ptk1 is hypothesized to contribute to disease by mediating interactions within the microbial community. The project will isolate and purify Ptk1 from Escherichia coli strains to >90% purity and study its role in tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways that regulate bacterial functions.

Mutant P. gingivalis strains with disrupted Ptk1 will be created to examine its impact on bacterial interactions. Ptk1 will be expressed in E. coli, purified, and subjected to phosphorylation assays to assess its activity. The research will also analyze how Ptk1 affects biofilm formation, particularly its role in exopolysaccharide production, which is crucial for biofilm structure and virulence.

The goal of this research is to identify potential therapeutic targets for periodontal disease by understanding how Ptk1 regulates biofilm formation and microbial interactions. Disrupting these processes could offer new strategies for treating periodontal disease. This study builds on previous research showing the importance of bacterial tyrosine kinases in regulating cellular functions and highlights the role of P. gingivalis in periodontal disease. The findings could lead to targeted therapies aimed at bacterial kinases for treating chronic oral infections.