Shirin Ghods, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

 

Dept. of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Room 360B, School of Dentistry
Office Phone: 502-852-1288
Email:

 

 

Research Interests: Oral Microbiome, Pathogenesis, and Inflammation

My research interests involve understanding the role of the oral microbiome and its contribution to the etiology of periodontitis, a prevalent condition characterized by a polymicrobial-driven infection and inflammation of gum tissues. This condition is associated with a dysbiotic microbiome leading to the emergence of a virulent community of oral bacteria, known as periodontopathogens. These pathogens have been implicated in the development of other systemic inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

For successful infection and inflammation of the gum tissue, periodontopathogens have evolved pathoadaptive mechanisms through which they persist in the infected sites. Nevertheless, these mechanisms remain largely unknown.  Previous studies have indicated that cobalamin (Vitamin B12) transporters are highly active microbial components in the periodontal pockets of individuals with periodontitis. Our research provided the first glimpse into the biological significance of cobalamin in the pathogenesis of these pathogens, which awaits further investigation.

Currently, my research focus is directed toward elucidating the biological significance of cobalamin, a prominent redox regulator, in the pathoadaptation and pathogenesis of periodontopathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis considered a keystone pathogen. My research holds the potential to introduce novel key targets in periodontopathogens for the development of innovative therapeutics.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5743-5883
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=SAxUpmAAAAAJ 
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-ghods-2379777b/

The Ghods Lab members:

Mozhgan Mousavi, M.Sc.

Research Technician I
2024 - Present

Saba Tohidkhah, DMD

Former Researcher
2024

Lauren Fuller

DMD/MSOB Student
2024 - Present

Irshad Arshad, M.Sc.

Former Research Technician I
2024

Hannah Patton

DMD/Summer Research Student
2024

Honors and Awards

2024-2025: NIH/NIGMS: GM125504 Pilot Project, Title: Cobalamin's Impact on Genomic-Metabolic Adaptations and Immunostimulatory Potential in Porphyromonas gingivalis.

2024-2027: NIH/NIDCR:1R03DE033707-01, Title: Cobalamin in Porphyromonas gingivalis Pathogenicity. Role: Principal Investigator.

2024-2028: Start-Up Funding Recipient, University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Dept. of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

2018: Recipient of the Massey University Dean’s Graduation Award in recognition of academic excellence, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand.

2017: Invited as a chapter editor for the Springer Series in Biomaterials Science and Engineering book series.

2016: Additional funding of six months Award, Massey University, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand.

2016: Awarded the IFS Postgraduate Student Travel Fund, Massey University, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand.

2013-2017: Recipient of the Massey University Doctoral Scholarships Award, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand.

Representative Publications

  1.  The multifaceted role of c-di-AMP signaling in the regulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide structure and function. Frontiers in Oral Microbes and Host. 2024.
  2. Growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis on human serum albumin triggers programmed cell death. Journal of Oral Microbiology. 2023.
  3.  Atypical cyclic di-AMP signaling is essential for Porphyromonas gingivalis growth and regulation of cell envelope homeostasis and virulence. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. 2022.
  4. Porphyromonas gingivalis Capsule-Conjugate Vaccine Protects from Experimental Oral Bone Loss. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2021.
  5. Amino Acids as Wetting Agents: Surface Translocation by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The ISME Journal, 2019.