Creating human models to study taste and its changes
Development of human taste organoid models
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-10953109
This study is exploring how our sense of taste can be influenced by things like medications and viruses by creating tiny models of taste buds from donated human cells, which could help us understand taste better and improve treatments for people who have taste-related issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10953109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing human taste organoid models to better understand how taste function can be affected by various factors, including drugs and viral infections. By using taste receptor cells obtained from organ donors, the researchers aim to create organoids that mimic human taste buds. This innovative approach allows for the investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern taste homeostasis, which may differ from findings in animal models. The study will utilize advanced techniques to culture these cells and analyze their responses to different stimuli.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have experienced taste changes due to viral infections or cancer treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced any taste dysfunction or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of taste dysfunction in patients, particularly those affected by COVID-19 or cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While organoid models have been successfully used in other areas of research, this specific application to human taste organoids is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BARLOW, LINDA A — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: BARLOW, LINDA A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents