NIH-funded research R01 grant

Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome

Official title: Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry and Sjogren’s syndrome

Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11359626 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.

More Sjogren's Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project startSeptember 19, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$563,834
NIH project number5R01DE031716-05
Project IDNIH-11359626 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideally, adults with Sjögren’s syndrome or related salivary gland dysfunction may benefit from future therapies stemming from this work.

Less likely to help

Patients without Sjögren’s syndrome or salivary gland issues may not directly benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This project explores how immune cells and saliva gland function interact in Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition where the mouth and eyes can feel dry. It examines how lactate, a metabolite from our cells, might influence calcium channels and ER stress in salivary glands, potentially driving disease processes. The study combines biological experiments to understand these links with the goal of identifying targets that could protect saliva production in patients. Participants would be indirectly affected by future therapies that arise from understanding these mechanisms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat salivary gland dysfunction in Sjögren’s syndrome, improving comfort and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests metabolism and calcium signaling influence immune and gland function, with potential for new therapeutic targets in Sjögren’s syndrome.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Hlth Science Center
    San Antonio, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Singh, Brij B — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
  • Study coordinator: Singh, Brij B

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s

    Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11296942

  • Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's

    This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11251228

  • Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production

    This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11110346

  • Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome

    This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.

    NIH research Stellular Bio, INC. · Watertown, United States · NIH-11067525

  • Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome

    This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11041086

  • Investigating the role of LINE1 and IFI16 in Sjögren's syndrome

    This study is looking at how a specific part of our DNA interacts with the immune system in people with Sjögren's syndrome, which could help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11036271

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.