A-State Receives $1.77 Million NIH Grant to Conduct Research into Oral Health

08/29/2024

The team that will be leading the research includes (from left) Ana Karen Solano Morales, master's student in biology; Sangam Chudal, biotechnology major; Dr. Robert Shields, principal investigator; Emanuel Cazano, biological sciences major, pre-professional program; Shawn King, lab manager; and Bikash Kumar Dwivedi, doctoral student in molecular biosciences.

JONESBORO - While most people know that tooth decay can result in an unsightly smile, the impact of this disease has serious implications for one's overall health.

A faculty member in Arkansas State University's Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics has secured a federal grant to conduct extensive research into the problem with the goal of better understanding the causes and effects.

Dr. Robert Shields, assistant professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences and principal investigator for the grant, sought the funding through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting people," he added. "It has a significant health and economic burden on the U.S. population."

Shields will guide a team of faculty members, doctoral degree candidates, student researchers, and lab professionals who will delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying tooth decay pathogens.

The research team also includes Dr. Lisa McLellan at Purdue University - Fort Wayne who is a molecular microbiology expert with her own research lab.

"In this study, we will investigate the movement of genetic information between bacteria, a process that spreads antibiotic resistance and fuels pathogen evolution," Shields explained. "We will focus our studies on understanding this process in the oral cavity and determining the role it plays in assisting in the development of tooth decay."

The $1.77 million grant over a five-year period will support the work of the research team and provide a supply of chemical reagents, travel expenses to present results at scholarly conferences, and other expenses associated with their work.

"Dr. Robert Shields' grant is an exciting opportunity to enhance his research in oral health," stated Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics. "This highly competitive NIH R01 grant supports health-related research by an investigator in their area of expertise. The Beck College is excited to see Dr. Shields receive this prestigious award and further his research in this important topic."

Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation and discovery, and executive director of Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State, noted this grant, the NIH R01, is the premier funding mechanism for those researching human health. The NIH R01 is the gold standard because it supports important hypothesis-driven research that is backed by preliminary data; recent funding rates are just over 21% of applications received nationwide.

"I am thrilled that Dr. Rob Shields has secured an NIH R01 award for his work on dental decay bacteria," he stated. "The discoveries that will result from his team's work have important basic science and human health implications for the people of Arkansas."

This new grant represents only the second R01 and only the eighth NIH award in A-State history. It is also the largest NIH grant in the university's history, he said.

"With our recent emphasis on expanding research development, the goal of the Research and Technology Transfer team is to help make these kinds of awards a regularity on campus."

A related development with A-State's blossoming research enterprise will get underway early next year.

"As part of our expansion of NIH-funded programs, A-State has been selected in a new program called Engagement and Access for Research-Active Institutions (EARA), which will assist campus researchers with identifying appropriate funding opportunities from NIH," Marsico continued. "The program should begin in February 2025. Fourteen faculty members have expressed interest, and Dr. Shields has agreed to mentor faculty pursuing NIH funding. His efforts have been successful, and he has built a strong relationship with his NIH program director."

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