Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production
Official title: Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry and Sjogren’s syndrome
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11110346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,834 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031716-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals living with primary Sjögren's syndrome who experience salivary gland dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Sjögren's syndrome or similar autoimmune conditions are not the direct focus of this particular research.
What this research studies
Many people with Sjögren's syndrome experience dry mouth because their salivary glands don't work properly. We know that immune cells and certain antibodies gather in these glands, but we don't fully understand why this happens. Calcium plays a key role in both saliva production and immune cell activity, and this project aims to understand how its movement is affected in Sjögren's syndrome. We are particularly interested in how a natural body chemical called lactate might prevent calcium from entering salivary gland cells, which could lead to stress in these cells. By uncovering these details, we hope to learn more about what causes Sjögren's syndrome and how to improve saliva production.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help restore saliva production and reduce the impact of Sjögren's syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While previous observations have linked lactate to immune responses and Sjögren's syndrome, this specific approach to understanding its role in calcium regulation and salivary gland function is exploring new territory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Brij B — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Singh, Brij B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome
A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.
-
How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s
Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.
-
Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's
This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.
-
Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome
This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.
-
Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome
This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.
-
Investigating the role of LINE1 and IFI16 in Sjögren's syndrome
This study is looking at how a specific part of our DNA interacts with the immune system in people with Sjögren's syndrome, which could help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.
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.