Laboratory of Shirin Ghods, PhD
Assistant Professor - Department of Oral Immunology & Infectious Diseases
Sidebar
Overview
The Ghods Lab investigates how nutritional and metabolic signals reprogram microbial physiology and shape host inflammatory responses in chronic oral and systemic diseases. Our NIH-supported research centers on the concept that metabolic cofactors function as regulatory determinants of microbial adaptation, virulence expression, and immune modulation.
We focus particularly on cobalamin (vitamin B12)–dependent regulatory networks in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen in periodontitis and inflammation-associated systemic conditions. By integrating molecular microbiology, immunology, and systems-level analyses, we define how metabolic environments drive both local tissue inflammation and systemic immune imbalance.
Our long-term objective is to identify metabolic vulnerabilities that may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in inflammation-driven diseases.
Research Themes
- Metabolic Cofactors as Regulatory Signals
We investigate how redox-active metabolites, including cobalamin, regulate oxidative stress adaptation, biofilm formation, envelope remodeling, and bacterial persistence in inflammatory microenvironments. - Nutrient-Driven Virulence Reprogramming
We examine how nutrient availability alters transcriptional networks, signaling pathways, and virulence determinants in anaerobic oral pathogens. - Host–Microbiome Interface Under Metabolic Stress
Using host cell systems and clinical specimens, we define how metabolite-dependent microbial adaptation reshapes innate immune signaling and inflammatory outcomes. - Oral–Systemic Inflammatory Axis
Our work extends beyond periodontal pathology to explore how metabolic dysregulation in the oral niche influences systemic inflammatory susceptibility.
Research Approaches
The laboratory integrates:
• Microbial genetics and targeted mutagenesis
• Transcriptomic and RNA-based regulatory analyses
• Protein and molecular assays
• Metabolite quantification and redox profiling
• Biofilm and phenotypic characterization
• Host cell interaction models
• Translational studies incorporating clinically derived samples
These complementary approaches enable mechanistic dissection of nutrient-driven adaptation at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
Active Funding
NIH/NIGMS COBRE (5P20GM125504)
Research Project Leader (2025–2028)
Cobalamin as a redox-active mediator in Porphyromonas gingivalis stress adaptation.
NIH/NIDCR R03DE033707
Principal Investigator (2024–2027)
Cobalamin-dependent mechanisms in P. gingivalis pathogenicity.
University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Start-Up Research Award (2024–2028)
Selected Publications
Ghods S. et al. c-di-AMP signaling regulates Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide structure and function. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2024.
Ghods S. et al. Growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis on human serum albumin triggers programmed cell death. Journal of Oral Microbiology. 2023.
Moradali MF, Ghods S. et al. Atypical cyclic di-AMP signaling is essential for P. gingivalis growth and virulence regulation. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. 2022.
Rocha FG, Ghods S. et al. Capsule-conjugate vaccine protects from experimental oral bone loss. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2021.
Team
The Ghods Lab is composed of postdoctoral fellows, graduate trainees, and research staff working collaboratively across molecular microbiology, immunology, and translational research interfaces.
We are committed to rigorous scientific training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship-driven career development.
