APDA grant will support Jeter’s research on oral microbiome, Parkinson disease

The American Parkinson Disease Association has awarded a research grant to UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston Associate Professor Cameron Jeter, PhD, in support of her investigation into the protective role of the oral microbiome in Parkinson disease.

The grant was one of 11 the association awarded in support of investigators performing innovative research at major academic institutions across the U.S. The grants are awarded through a competitive application process and reviewed by APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board, which is comprised of scientists with a wide array of backgrounds and expertise in all areas relevant to Parkinson’s research.

The goal is to identify researchers early in their careers and attract them to the field, as well as to help established investigators pursue new and novel ideas. In many cases, these projects produce significant pilot data, which has enabled researchers to apply for and receive multimillion-dollar research grants from the National Institutes of Health and other funding institutions.  

“It is vital to accelerate research and support translational ideas that can lead to new treatments for people living with Parkinson disease,” said Advisory Board Chair David Standaert, MD, PhD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. “[We’re] focused on investing in the best science to support that important mission.” 

APDA Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, said the funding will support, among other things, investigations of biomarkers for Parkinson disease, as well as variations in Parkinson’s disease based on gender and ethnicity.