To advance research on oral microbiome mechanisms and scientist training, Oregon Health & Science University receives over $11 million in NIH funding.

Source: Oregon Health & Science University

DentalGoodNews｜August 14, 2026 - Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) announced it has received over $11 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance oral microbiome research and train the next generation of oral health scientists. The funding covers four projects supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), aimed at developing novel oral health interventions through in-depth study of pathogenic microorganisms and beneficial bacteria.

It is reported that Dr. Hui Wu, Associate Dean of the OHSU School of Dentistry, received a five-year, $2.1 million grant. The project, supported by NIH since 2012, is co-led by Dr. Wu and Professor Christian Melander of the University of Notre Dame, focusing on the synergistic interaction between Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. These two microorganisms play a critical role in severe early childhood dental caries, forming protective biofilms that lead to sustained acid production and resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments.

According to the introduction, Dr. Wu's team will develop and test small molecules inspired by marine-derived compounds, aiming to prevent biofilm formation and dismantle established membrane structures. This strategy does not broadly eliminate oral microorganisms but rather seeks to selectively inhibit pathogenic activity while preserving beneficial bacteria.

Additionally, Dr. Justin Merritt, a professor at the school, received a five-year, $2.9 million grant to study the RNA degradosome of Streptococcus mutans. This protein complex controls bacterial RNA turnover and global gene regulation, helping the bacterium adapt to its environment and survive on tooth surfaces. The research aims to identify key protein interactions that can be blocked to selectively eliminate Streptococcus mutans without affecting beneficial microorganisms.

Meanwhile, Professor Jens Kreth received nearly $3 million in funding for two research projects on tiny particles released by Streptococcus sanguinis. Streptococcus sanguinis is generally associated with oral health, and Dr. Kreth's team will investigate how these particles protect oral tissues and modulate immune responses, with the long-term goal of leveraging beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy oral microbiome and prevent disease.

In addition to research funding, Dr. Wu also received a five-year, $3.1 million grant to support the "Portland Oral Health Research Training Program" (PORT). The program, co-led by Dr. Carmem Pfeifer, Professor and Director of Biomaterials and Biomedical Sciences, leverages OHSU's institution-wide research ecosystem to provide mentorship for dental students, postdoctoral fellows, and dental scientists.

According to OHSU data, since its launch in 2021, the PORT program has provided trainees with training in scientific rigor, data analysis, grant writing, and career development. This new funding will enable the program to sustain and further develop OHSU's interdisciplinary training environment, accelerating trainees' transition to professional careers.

Dr. Ronald Sakaguchi, Dean of the OHSU School of Dentistry, stated that research, patient care, and education are key pillars of the school's mission, and these grants will drive the team's progress in oral health services and scientific discovery. However, the aforementioned studies are currently in early experimental or translational stages, and the related research findings and treatment approaches require further clinical validation.