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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Fumarate-associated immunometabolic network in Periodontitis revealed by integrated transcriptomic and single-cell
Rongpeng Liu1,2, Jinfeng Lv1, Yao Zeng1
1Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, China.
Plos One
|August 5, 2026
Summary
This study reveals fumarate-associated immune signatures in periodontitis, identifying key genes like C3 and CXCR4. These findings offer potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for gum disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunometabolism
- Periodontal disease research
- Transcriptomics
Background:
- Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory gum disease affecting tooth-supporting tissues.
- Cellular metabolism's role in immune responses during chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized.
- The specific contribution of fumarate-driven gene expression to periodontitis pathogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify fumarate-associated genes and cellular pathways involved in periodontitis.
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of identified genes.
- To explore potential therapeutic interventions for periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Integrated bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of human periodontal tissues.
- Analysis of fumarate-associated transcriptional programs.
- Validation in a mouse model of periodontitis.
- Computational drug screening and molecular docking.
Main Results:
- A fumarate-associated immune regulatory signature was identified and found to be enriched in periodontitis.
- Genes C3, CXCR4, and MEF2C showed increased expression in diseased human tissues and in a mouse model.
- These genes are primarily expressed in immune cells (myeloid, neutrophils) and stromal cells, indicating diagnostic potential.
- Carbenoxolone and a CXCR4 antagonist (USL311) emerged as potential therapeutic candidates.
Conclusions:
- This study provides an integrated perspective on immunometabolic changes in periodontitis.
- Identified genes (C3, CXCR4, MEF2C) represent promising transcriptomic markers for periodontitis diagnosis.
- Candidate therapeutics warrant further investigation for treating periodontitis.