Improving the healing of damaged salivary glands
Therapeutic vascularization to support repair of damaged salivary glands
This study is exploring new ways to help people with damaged salivary glands by testing methods to grow healthy blood vessels in lab-made salivary tissues, which could lead to better treatments for those who struggle with saliva production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11060983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing therapies to regenerate damaged salivary glands, which are crucial for oral health. The project aims to establish a functional blood vessel network in engineered salivary tissues, using two therapeutic approaches: implanting vascular cells and delivering a drug that promotes blood vessel formation. By testing these methods in mice, the researchers will assess their effectiveness in enhancing the healing process and overall gland function. The findings could lead to new treatments for individuals suffering from salivary gland damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that cause damage to their salivary glands, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with intact salivary glands or those whose gland damage is not related to the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore salivary gland function and improve quality of life for patients with gland damage.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approaches in this research are novel, there have been successful studies in related fields that demonstrate the potential of angiogenesis therapies in tissue regeneration.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sandell, Lisa L — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Sandell, Lisa L
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.