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

Researcher
2024 - Present

Representative Publications

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