Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

07:15
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Epigenetic biomarkers: a step forward for understanding periodontitis
Anders M Lindroth1, Yoon Jung Park
1Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science
|July 10, 2013
Summary
Genetic and epigenetic factors influence periodontitis risk and recurrence. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to early detection and personalized oral disease prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Periodontitis is a common oral disease linked to microbial imbalance.
- Some individuals exhibit predisposition and recurrence despite treatment.
- Genetic variations, particularly in inflammatory response genes, increase periodontitis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent genetic discoveries in periodontitis.
- To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in disease susceptibility.
- To highlight potential for early detection and tailored prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic association studies (candidate and genome-wide).
- Analysis of epigenetic regulation in periodontitis.
- Examination of epigenetic drug efficacy in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- Genetic variations in inflammatory genes are associated with periodontitis risk.
- Epigenetic modifications are implicated in gene regulation and environmental responses.
- Epigenetic drugs showed therapeutic potential in a periodontitis mouse model.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and epigenetic factors play a significant role in periodontitis.
- Epigenetic research offers insights into individual responses and predispositions.
- Future strategies may involve early detection and personalized oral health interventions.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.