Dr. Eva Helmerhorst Receives Research Funding From NIDCR

Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) Periodontology and Oral Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Eva J. Helmerhorst has received a notice of award from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) for her R21 grant application, Oral Fluid Proteolytic Effects on Salivary Protein Structure and Function. The award is for $446,875 and will be distributed over a two-year period.

The focus of this grant application is to study how glandular salivary proteins are processed by the whole saliva proteases once they are released into the oral cavity. Functionality of intact salivary proteins has been studied at length, but Dr. Helmerhorst hypothesizes that structural modification to these proteins is taking place in the dynamic oral cavity and as a result one section of the protein may be more active than others.

"Up until now, this area has been ignored," said Dr. Helmorhorst. "By separating the protein into pieces we will be able to pinpoint if the modifications are causing one section to react differently than the rest."

Dr. Helmerhorst also anticipates she will find a difference between salivary protein processing in healthy and diseased individuals, specifically those with periodontitis. If this proves true, protein modifications may be used as a diagnostic tool.

"Dr. Helmerhorst’s research addresses an important part of BUGSDM’s mission,’to shape the future of dental medicine and dental education through research’," said Dean ad interim Dr. Jeffrey Hutter. "Her outstanding work is an accomplishment for not only BUGSDM, but for the university, and the field of healthcare in general. I commend Dr. Helmerhorst and encourage her to keep up the good work."