Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40599650›Full record

ArticleFrontiers in cellular and infection microbiology2025

Novel potential biomarkers for predicting childhood caries via metagenomic analysis.

Hui Zhang, Xiao Zheng, Yongmao Huang, Yuanqiang Zou, Tao Zhang, Maria Alice Repo, Meixiang Yin, Yang You, Zhuye Jie, Wen-An Xu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Identification ofMicroorganisms · 2026
    Article
  2. Review
  3. Deletion ofFrontiers in cellular and infection microbiology · 2025
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Hui Zhang *Shenzhen Clinical College of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Xiao Zheng *Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital (Pingshan), Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Yongmao HuangShenzhen Clinical College of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Yuanqiang ZouBeijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Research, Shenzhen, China.
Tao ZhangBGI Research, Wuhan, China.
Maria Alice RepoShenzhen Clinical College of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Meixiang YinDepartment of Stomatology, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.
Yang YouDepartment of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Zhuye JieBeijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Research, Shenzhen, China.
Wen-An XuShenzhen Clinical College of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a prevalent global health issue, particularly among children, with significant oral and overall health implications. The oral microbiome is considered a critical factor in caries development, with various microbial species implicated in the disease process. Objectives: This study aims to explore the changes and interactions of oral microbiota in childhood caries using metagenomic analysis, and identify potential biomarkers for early caries detection and treatment. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 241 children aged 6 to 9 years, categorized into caries-free (CF), low-caries (CL), and caries-severe (CS) groups. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze the oral microbiome, followed by a series of statistical and functional analyses to characterize microbial diversity and function. Results: The study revealed significant differences in the microbial community composition among the groups, with the CS group exhibiting higher alpha and beta diversity than that of the CF group. Numerous unclassified microorganisms, such as Conclusion: The role of microbiota in dental caries is multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of microbial species and functions. Our findings enhance the understanding of the microbial basis of dental caries and offer potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The predictive capacity of the identified biomarkers warrants further investigation for early caries detection and intervention. Clinical Significance: The identification of novel biomarkers through metagenomic analysis enables early detection and targeted intervention for childhood caries, potentially transforming children dental care and significantly improving long-term oral health outcomes.

Indexed as

BiomarkersDental CariesMetagenomicsMicrobiotaBacteriaChildFemaleHumansMaleMetagenomeSalivaBiomarkersbiomarkerschildrendental cariesmetagenomic sequencingoral microbiome

Identifiers

PMID40599650
PMCPMC12209247

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.