Understanding how sensory nerves affect saliva production in salivary glands
Official title: Defining the Targets and Function of Direct Trigeminal Sensory Innervation to Salivary Glands
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11092900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells help our salivary glands work, which is important for making saliva, and it's aimed at finding new ways to help people who suffer from dry mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | July 13, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $634,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032345-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing dry mouth due to cancer treatments, medications, or autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience dry mouth or have healthy salivary gland function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of trigeminal sensory neurons in the function of salivary glands, which are crucial for producing saliva. By using both small and large animal models, the study aims to identify the specific targets of these sensory neurons and how they respond to various stimuli that may influence saliva production. The goal is to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for conditions causing dry mouth, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that stimulate saliva production and alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting trigeminal sensory neurons is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding nerve interactions with gland function.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lombaert, Isabelle M.a. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lombaert, Isabelle M.a.
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.