Integrative Multi-Omics Profiling in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis: Salivary Peptidomics, In Silico Protease Prediction, Microbiome Characterization, and Plasma Metabolomics

• Grant number: 25/10031-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
• Grantee: Gerson Aparecido Foratori Junior
• Supervisor: Guy Carpenter
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: King's College London, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/10292-8 - Proteomic and metabolomic profile of saliva related to periodontitis and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, BP.PD

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and periodontitis are prevalent conditions during pregnancy and are independently associated with systemic inflammation and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Hormonal, immunological, and metabolic alterations during gestation may influence periodontal health, while periodontitis itself may contribute to glycemic dysregulation through chronic low-grade inflammation. Despite this potential bidirectional relationship, the underlying molecular and microbial mechanisms remain poorly understood. This observational cross-sectional study aims to comprehensively characterize molecular and microbial signatures associated with GDM and periodontitis through a multi-omics approach in pregnant women. Participants have been recruited and dived into: with GDM and periodontitis (G1 = 20); with GDM, but without periodontitis (G2 = 20); without GDM, but with periodontitis (G3 = 20); and without GDM and periodontitis (G4 = 20). Biological samples (saliva supernatant, saliva pellet, and plasma) have been collected in Brazil and stored at ¿80¿°C for subsequent shipment to King's College London, UK. The methodology will consist of: a) Salivary peptidomics that will be conducted through LC-MS/MS following ultrafiltration; b) in silico protease prediction that will be performed using Proteasix; c) Proteolytic activity that will be validated by zymography; d) Salivary microbiome that will be assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing; e) and plasma metabolomics that will be conducted using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. All multi-omics data will be integrated and analyzed using appropriate bioinformatic tools and multivariate statistical methods (P < 0.05). The study is expected to provide insights into the shared and distinct pathophysiological mechanisms linking GDM and periodontitis, contributing to the identification of molecular and microbial biomarkers in maternal health. (AU)