Understanding Saliva Production in Autoimmune Conditions
Ca2+ and secretory dynamics in salivary acinar cells
This work aims to understand why people with autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome experience dry mouth by looking at how salivary gland cells produce fluid.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124031 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with autoimmune conditions, especially Sjogren's syndrome, struggle with dry mouth because their salivary glands don't produce enough fluid. We know that problems with how salivary gland cells respond to signals happen early in the disease, even before there's visible damage to the glands. This project uses a special mouse model that mimics these early disease features to explore how calcium signals, which are crucial for saliva production, are affected. By understanding these earliest changes, we hope to find new ways to help restore normal saliva flow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjogren's syndrome and those experiencing dry mouth, could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation will not find direct benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the very first problems in salivary glands, potentially preventing or reversing dry mouth in conditions like Sjogren's syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon existing knowledge of the STING pathway in autoimmune diseases and preliminary data showing reduced fluid secretion in a mouse model, suggesting a promising new direction.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yule, David I — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Yule, David I
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.