As part of the scientific collaboration between the College of Science and the College of Dentistry at the University of Anbar, a research study entitled:
"Integrative Analysis of ENAM rs3796704 Polymorphism and Eugenol–Cinnamic Acid Docking/ADMET Against Biofilm-Forming Streptococcus mutans: Genetic–Phytochemical Links to Oral Dysbiosis”
has been successfully published through the efforts of a distinguished team of researchers, including "Prof. Dr. Safaa Abdul Latif Al-Muaini, Prof. Dr. Ali Hazim Abdul Karim, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Saleh Hussein, Assist. Lecturer Mohammed Mukhlis Ahmed, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ilham Hazim Abdul Karim" (College of Dentistry), in collaboration with several researchers from Iraqi academic institutions.
The study was published in the internationally recognized Dentistry Journal, a prestigious journal ranked in the first quartile (Q1) in the field of Dentistry. The journal has a CiteScore of 4.6 and a Clarivate Impact Factor of 3.1, and is indexed in the global PubMed database, reflecting its strong international scientific standing.

The research focused on understanding the genetic and molecular factors associated with dental caries, one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between the ENAM rs3796704 genetic polymorphism, a variant associated with enamel formation genes, and susceptibility to dental caries among Iraqi women. The ENAM gene plays a crucial role in enamel development; therefore, genetic variations within this gene may influence enamel strength and resistance to cariogenic factors.

In addition, the study explored the therapeutic potential of two naturally derived phytochemicals, eugenol and cinnamic acid, against Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterial species responsible for dental plaque formation and biofilm-associated tooth decay. The researchers employed advanced bioinformatics and molecular modeling approaches, including molecular docking, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations, to evaluate the ability of these compounds to inhibit bacterial proteins involved in adhesion and colonization of tooth surfaces.

The findings revealed a significant association between the investigated genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to dental caries, highlighting the important role of genetic factors in determining individual risk profiles. Furthermore, both eugenol and cinnamic acid demonstrated favorable binding affinities toward the targeted bacterial protein, accompanied by notable molecular stability and promising pharmacological properties. These results support their potential future application in the development of preventive or adjunctive therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing biofilm formation and mitigating the virulence of cariogenic bacteria.

This research represents an excellent example of interdisciplinary integration among *genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and dentistry, while also emphasizing the value of modern computational technologies in the discovery and evaluation of natural bioactive compounds that may contribute to improving oral health and reducing diseases associated with bacterial biofilms.