Interactoma da cavidade oral em cárie dentária

Abstract

Objective: Determine and interpret the pathophysiological point of view, the set of interactions between microbial and host proteins in the oral cavity, in the context of dental caries. Framework: The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem that reflects the molecular interactions established between host proteins and proteins produced by microorganisms which colonize this system. This is true not only in health but also in several diseases. The pivotal role that oral microbiota plays in the etiology of dental caries is widely recognized. However, many of the molecular players that mediate this action are is still unknown. In order to clarify this role, we must not only identify the molecules involved but also the molecular mechanisms in which they participate. The bioinformatic tools play an important role in this task by providing the means for establish the pairs of interacting proteins, or the host- microbial interactome in tooth decay. In this sense, the group of Computational Biomedicine PCU in partnership with the Bioinformatics group of the AU and the Center for Informatics and Systems of University of Coimbra developed the first tool of its kind dedicated to the oral cavity , the Oralint using molecular information gathered in OralCard to generate these interactomas . Methodology: Identify organisms changed in tooth decay and mapping of the protein produced by them. Update the information on the altered proteins in human dental caries. The identified proteins are included in OralCard and submitted to Oralint to establish the microbiota - host interactome in tooth decay. The results will be interpreted and discussed in the light of the pathophysiology of dental caries. Expectations: Update the OralCard with information relating to human and microbial proteins related to dental caries. First establish the interactome oral host- microbiota in tooth decay and thus contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms altered in the host as a result of the action of microorganisms that colonize the oral cavity.

Date of Award	9 Oct 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Rosa (Supervisor) & Marlene Barros (Co-Supervisor)