Preventing radiation-related scarring of the salivary glands by blocking copper delivery
Inhibition of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Fibrosis by Targeting Copper Metabolism
Trying a new approach that blocks how salivary glands use copper to prevent scarring and dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient view, researchers aim to stop the scarring that can destroy salivary glands after radiation for head and neck cancer by blocking copper delivery to enzymes that make scar tissue. In the lab they will test a compound called MKV3 that inhibits the ATP7A copper transporter and measure effects on fibrosis using cells and animal models and likely tissue samples. The team builds on early data showing MKV3 can reduce copper-dependent enzyme activity that promotes scarring. If findings support safety and benefit, this work could lead to early human tests of treatments to protect or restore salivary gland function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who had or will undergo radiation for head and neck cancer and who have, or are at high risk for, salivary gland fibrosis and severe dry mouth would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without radiation-related salivary gland damage, those whose glands were surgically removed, or people with dry mouth from other causes are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce salivary gland scarring, improve saliva production, and lessen chronic dry mouth and related eating and oral-health problems for survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts targeting individual LOX enzymes had mixed clinical results, and directly blocking copper delivery via ATP7A is a newer strategy with encouraging early lab evidence but limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Olga Juliana — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Baker, Olga Juliana
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.