Understanding how connective tissue affects taste bud renewal
Official title: Regulation of connective tissue in the cell renewal of mature taste buds
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11047309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tissue that supports our taste buds helps them renew themselves, which could lead to new ways to treat taste disorders, and it involves giving proteins from young tissue to adult mice to see how it affects their taste buds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $379,862 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC022451-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience taste disorders or have an interest in taste sensation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have taste disorders or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of connective tissue in the renewal of taste buds, which are essential for our sense of taste. By examining how signals from the underlying connective tissue influence the differentiation of taste bud cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for taste disorders. The research involves delivering proteins from embryonic tissue to adult mice to observe changes in taste bud structure and function. This approach could provide insights into how taste sensation is maintained throughout life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for individuals suffering from taste disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining connective tissue's role in taste bud renewal is novel, related studies have shown success in understanding cell differentiation and signaling in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Hongxiang — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Liu, Hongxiang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control facial bone development
A study in mice and cell models will explore how BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control how genes are turned on in facial development, which could clarify causes of craniofacial disorders.
-
Sulfated glycosaminoglycan hydrogels to protect brain volume after traumatic injury
A new implantable gel made from specially sulfated sugars may help prevent brain shrinkage and improve function after a serious brain injury.
-
Understanding how Kaposi’s sarcoma virus switches on late genes during infection
Scientists are studying how the virus causing Kaposi’s sarcoma turns on late genes when its DNA copies itself, which could reveal new ways to treat cancer in people with AIDS.
-
Understanding how cells control signals and adhesion with the secretory pathway
A funded NIH project looks at how the cell’s secretory system shapes signals, receptors, and attachment to the outside of the cell, which can influence many human diseases.
-
AI-powered math and machine learning for bioscience and drug discovery
A broad NIH grant supports using advanced math and AI to better predict viral variants and aid drug discovery, with the goal of helping patients by accelerating pandemic response.
-
AI-driven platform to predict vaccine-escape variants and design mutation-proof antibodies
An AI-powered approach aims to anticipate SARS-CoV-2 variants that may dodge vaccines and to create antibodies that stay effective.
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.