A protein present in the gums may help prevent Alzheimer’s

A protein present in the gum may help prevent Alzheimer’s
Colloidal gold immunostaining (white beads) for the SCPPPQ1 protein visualized by scanning electron microscopy, showing the intimate interaction of the protein with P. gingivalis bacteria. Credit: University of Montreal

A research team affiliated with the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Montreal has shed new light on a human protein with potential benefits beyond oral and dental health.

Recent studies have shown that a protein present in the gingival epithelium (the part of the gums that surrounds the teeth) may have antimicrobial properties, in particular against the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). In addition to playing a…

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