Funding and Research Support
Current and previous funding and/or sources of research support that have powered the science and fueled discoveries within the Kaspar Lab
NIH NIDCR R03 DE031766
The dental caries (tooth decay) pathogen Streptococcus mutans lives in multi-species biofilms and commonly interacts with other oral bacteria. This research project is designed to determine how S. mutans changes its gene expression when encountering other species of oral bacteria, and whether these gene expression changes provide a fitness benefit to help S. mutans grow and compete against them.
Ohio State College of Dentistry Seed Grant
Streptococcus sobrinus is an understudied odontopathogen that is implicated in the demineralization of tooth enamel. While not found as commonly as Streptococcus mutans, the pair found together can lead to increased severity of decay and disease. This research project aims to determine how and why the combo can lead to worsened disease outcomes.