Identifying a key marker for taste bud and salivary gland health
Official title: Identifying Sox9 as a marker of multipotent progenitors in Circumvallate papilla/Von Ebner's gland homeostasis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10998769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your mouth help with taste and saliva production, especially for cancer patients who might have trouble tasting food or keeping their mouths moist, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,659 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC021632-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing taste dysfunction or dry mouth due to their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those not experiencing taste or salivary gland issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Sox9 as a marker for multipotent progenitor cells in the circumvallate papilla and von Ebner's glands, which are crucial for taste perception and salivation. By understanding how these cells contribute to the maintenance and function of taste buds and salivary glands, the research aims to develop therapies that can alleviate taste dysfunction and dry mouth in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The approach includes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to identify and characterize these progenitor cells. This could lead to improved management of taste and salivary gland issues that significantly affect the quality of life for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve taste perception and salivary function in cancer patients, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on Sox9 in this context may be novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding progenitor cell roles in tissue homeostasis and regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isner, Trevor Joseph — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Isner, Trevor Joseph
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.