# Hemin Production by Veillonella: A Novel Mechanism in Inhibiting P. gingivalis Hemolysis

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2024 · $429,000

## Abstract

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Periodontal disease, a widespread global health issue, predominantly originates from dental
plaque, which an intricate polymicrobial biofilm. Within this milieu, Veillonella, an anaerobic,
Gram-negative bacterium, stands out for its unique ability to produce heme. Although this process
seems non-essential for Veillonella itself, it’s critical for its bacterial associates. Despite its
significance, the regulation of heme production in Veillonella and its impact on oral ecology remain
enigmatic. This study zeroes in on the symbiotic dance between Veillonella and the
periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), which relies heavily on heme as its primary
nutrient and is known to provoke inflammation via red blood cell breakdown. In the presence of
Pg, heme production in Veillonella is significantly induced. Intriguingly, this heme production
completely abolishes Pg’s hemolytic activity. This initial observation propels the hypothesis that
Veillonella’s heme production might strategically temper Pg’s hemolytic behaviors, presenting a
delicate balance with boarder implications for Pg-associated oral health. To rigorously dissect this
interplay, we’ve delineated two central aims. 1) Explore Mechanisms by which Veillonella Inhibits
Pg hemolysis. This will involve a comprehensive assay to discern the role of potential proteases
produced by Veillonella in suppressing Pg’s hemolytic attributes, with RNA-seq analysis and
transposon screening leading to a thorough insight. 2) Ascertain how the regulation of the heme
biosynthesis in Veillonella by Pg and its role in Pg-host interaction. Given the significance of
Veillonella’ heme production, understanding its regulation and impact on Pg’s interaction with the
host immune system is pivotal. This objective will use transwell assays, luciferase reporter strains,
Tn5 transposon library and in vitro tissue assays to provide a comprehensive view. In essence,
this research aspires to shed light on the nuances of oral biofilm ecology, emphasizing the yet-to
be-explored realm of Veillonella’s heme production. Unveiling the potential natural mechanism
where one bacterium regulates another’s inflammatory actions, our study could pave the way for
innovative periodontal treatments and a deeper grasp of dental biofilm interplay.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10952111
- **Project number:** 1R21DE034098-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Chenggang Wu
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $429,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-18 → 2026-09-17

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10952111

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10952111, Hemin Production by Veillonella: A Novel Mechanism in Inhibiting P. gingivalis Hemolysis (1R21DE034098-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10952111. Licensed CC0.

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