Understanding how salivary glands can regenerate after radiation damage
Official title: Cellular plasticity in salivary gland regeneration
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-11311177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how salivary glands can heal after being damaged by radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, with the hope of finding better ways to help people who experience dry mouth and other issues afterward.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | April 2, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,108 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DE030626-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have received radiation therapy for head and neck cancers and are experiencing salivary gland dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy or do not have salivary gland damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ability of salivary glands to regenerate after being damaged by radiation therapy, which is commonly used to treat head and neck cancers. The study focuses on specific cell populations within the glands that exhibit plasticity, meaning they can change their function and help repair tissue. By exploring the mechanisms behind this cellular plasticity, the research aims to develop therapeutic strategies that could enhance the regeneration of salivary glands and restore their function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for those suffering from dry mouth and other complications following radiation therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore salivary gland function in patients who have undergone radiation treatment for head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of cellular plasticity in tissue regeneration is emerging, this specific approach to salivary gland regeneration after radiation damage is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larsen, Melinda — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Larsen, Melinda
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.