NEWS Periodontitis is a common but often overlooked disease. Jan Oscarsson at Umeå University is researching how this can be detected early and treated effectively – using cell and molecular biology methods. We ask him five curious questions.
Jan Oscarsson is a researcher at the Department of Odonthology at Umeå University.
ImageIngrid SöderberghThese bacteria gradually break down the tissues that hold the teeth in place
“Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammation of the mouth that is initially caused by bacteria. These bacteria gradually break down the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Due to this inflammation, our own osteoclasts ultimately cause the breakdown of jawbone. The disease is widespread worldwide, especially among the elderly, and one of the biggest risk factors is poor oral hygiene.”
“When bacteria accumulate around the teeth, the risk of the gums becoming inflamed increases. Over time, an environment is created that is both oxygen-free and rich in proteins – perfect conditions for certain bacteria in the oral flora to grow and worsen the condition.”
“We are studying how bacteria linked to periodontitis can trigger inflammatory processes in the mouth. The focus is both on how the bacteria interact with each other and on identifying genetic markers in particularly aggressive bacterial strains – something that could improve the possibilities for early diagnosis in the future.”
“As model organisms, we use, among others, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a bacterium that is often found in aggressive forms of periodontitis in younger people. We are also investigating Filifactor alocis, a relatively newly discovered possible pathogen in the oral cavity.”
“One of our goals is to find reliable markers that make it possible to identify young people who carry particularly aggressive bacterial strains with a simple saliva sample – and thus run an increased risk of developing periodontitis at an early stage.”
“Another track in the research is about understanding the mechanisms that bacteria use to trigger inflammation. By mapping these processes, we hope to find ways to block them – without having to kill the bacteria, which is the case with antibiotic treatment.”
“In a study among young people in Västerbotten, we found signs that saliva samples may be sufficient to analyse bacteria linked to periodontitis – a finding that was presented in Mark Lindholm’s doctoral thesis. In collaboration with researchers at Karolinska Institutet, we have also identified a previously unknown toxin and possible virulence factor in the bacterium Filifactor alocis. In a broader research collaboration, which also includes colleagues from the Department of Molecular Biology, we have shown that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans – a bacterium linked to aggressive forms of periodontitis – can be killed by its closest relative Aggregatibacter aphrophilus via a so-called type VI secretion system. Since A. aphrophilus, that is also found in the mouth, is not associated with the disease, the question arises: could it contribute to better oral health?”
“I grew up in Brån outside of Vännäs and completed my undergraduate education at Umeå University, where I also received my PhD in molecular biology in 1999. After a postdoctoral period at Karolinska Institutet, I have been active in odontology at Umeå University for almost two decades.”
“My interest in bacterial–host interactions developed towards the end of my undergraduate education, if I remember correctly. I was lucky enough to delve into the subject as a doctoral student under the supervision of Professor Bernt Eric Uhlin – and it has remained a central focus of my research ever since.”
Filifactor alocis may be an oral pathogen, but it looks kind and "hearty" when cultivated.
ImageJan Oscarsson lab