Investigating how a specific protein can help repair damaged salivary glands after cancer treatment
Official title: Determining Sox10-mediated plasticity in irradiated salivary gland cells
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11042178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Sox10 can help heal salivary glands damaged by radiation in head and neck cancer patients, with the hope of finding better ways to treat dry mouth by helping the glands work properly again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE032585-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and are experiencing xerostomia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received radiation therapy or those with other causes of dry mouth unrelated to salivary gland damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Sox10 protein can promote the regeneration of salivary glands that have been damaged by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. The study aims to explore the ability of ductal cells in the salivary glands to transform into acinar cells, which are responsible for saliva production. By manipulating the expression of Sox10, researchers hope to enhance the plasticity of these cells, potentially leading to improved tissue repair and function. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that address the root causes of dry mouth syndrome, rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore saliva production in patients suffering from dry mouth due to radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of inducing plasticity in salivary gland cells is relatively novel, preliminary data suggests that similar strategies have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Christina Elizabeth-Rose — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Jones, Christina Elizabeth-Rose
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.