Single-cell and Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of Gingival Tissues in Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis: Deciphering Cellular Heterogeneity and Inflammatory Microenvironment Features
Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine
Phase
Observational
Started
2025-12-26
Last updated
2026-03-23
Condition(s) studied
PeriodontisAggressive Periodontitis
Study summary
The goal of this observational study is to investigate cellular heterogeneity and inflammatory microenvironment features in gingival tissues from patients with aggressive periodontitis compared to chronic periodontitis and healthy controls, using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics combined with whole-genome sequencing.
The main question(s) it aims to answer are:
What are the differences in cellular composition, mesenchymal stem cell subpopulations, and gene expression profiles between aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, and healthy gingival tissues? Which key molecular markers, signaling pathways, and spatially resolved microenvironment patterns distinguish aggressive periodontitis from the more common chronic form? Are there disease-specific genetic variants associated with aggressive periodontitis identified through whole-genome sequencing of peripheral blood DNA?
Participants (already scheduled for tooth extraction or periodontal surgery as part of routine clinical care) will undergo:
Standard clinical periodontal examination and CBCT imaging Collection of a small gingival tissue sample (\~1×3×1 mm) during the planned extraction/surgery under local anesthesia Collection of 5 mL peripheral blood for DNA extraction No additional intervention, treatment, or follow-up visit is required beyond routine dental care.
Last updated: December 23, 2025
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
20 Years
Max age
40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion Criteria:
Aggressive Periodontitis Patients:
1. Aged 20-35 years
2. Radiographic evidence of at least 30% vertical bone loss at ≥2 tooth sites
3. Can be classified as Stage III/IV, Grade C periodontitis according to the 2018 new classification of periodontitis
4. With or without family history of periodontitis
5. No significant local contributing factors (e.g., calculus, occlusal trauma, etc.)
Chronic Periodontitis Patients:
1. Aged 30-40 years
2. ≥3 sites with probing depth ≥5 mm
3. Can be classified as Stage I/II, Grade A/B periodontitis according to the 2018 new classification of periodontitis
4. No significant family history
5. Disease predominantly driven by local factors (dental plaque, calculus, etc.)
Healthy Controls:
1. Aged 20-40 years
2. Radiographic examination shows no significant alveolar bone loss
3. Clinically cannot be diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Use of antibiotics within the past 3 months
2. Smoking \>10 cigarettes per day
3. Uncontrolled severe diabetes (HbA1c level ≥6.7%)
4. Planning pregnancy, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding
5. Alcohol or drug addiction
6. Long-term use of immunosuppressive agents
7. Infectious diseases such as hepatitis or AIDS/HIV
8. History of malignant tumor, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy within the past 5 years
Primary outcome measure(s)
Landscape of Cellular Heterogeneity in Periodontal Tissues — 1 year Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) will be used to evaluate the cellular heterogeneity of gingival tissues from patients with aggressive periodontitis (AP group), chronic periodontitis (CP group), and healthy controls, with a particular focus on mesenchymal stem cells. This includes identification of cell subpopulations and quantification of these subpopulations based on gene expression profiles.
Identification of Key Molecular Markers and Signaling Pathways — 1 year To discover differentially expressed molecular markers and signaling pathways between the AP group, CP group, and healthy group. By integrating single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data, the analysis will identify potential therapeutic targets.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
Hangzhou
Zhejiang
Recruiting
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This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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