Unlocking New Potential for Salivary Gland Repair
Salivary gland damage may soon see a more effective treatment. Researchers aim to regenerate damaged glands using stem cell research and advanced biomedicine.
Salivary gland dysfunction, caused by radiation therapy or diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, leaves patients struggling with persistent xerostomia, which hampers speech, swallowing, and overall oral health. Helping these patients manage the symptoms has traditionally involved treatments such as fluoride mouthrinses, xylitol lozenges, and prescription salivary substitutes. Now, groundbreaking research at the University of Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine could change the landscape of xerostomia treatment, offering hope for more effective and lasting solutions.
Through a 5-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), researchers are studying how to regenerate damaged salivary glands. Their work focuses on the regulatory role of a specific protein, p63, which helps maintain salivary glands and could unlock future regenerative treatments for gland repair.
The research focuses on how stem cells in the salivary gland can regenerate damaged tissues. Delta Np63 regulates many cell activities and may hold the key to repairing and regenerating glands.
If the research proves successful, it could lead to innovative new treatments for xerostomia that go beyond managing symptoms. Stem cell-based therapies could one day help patients regenerate their salivary glands, restoring natural function and alleviating the need for lifelong management with traditional therapies. Click here to read more.