Using gene therapy to improve saliva production in patients with dry mouth after radiation treatment
Epigenetic Therapy to Treat Radiation-induced Xerostomia
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic dry mouth caused by radiation treatment for head and neck cancer by using a special gene therapy to boost saliva production in their salivary glands.
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 ID | NIH-11061900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for patients who experience chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, as a result of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The approach involves using non-viral gene therapy to enhance the expression of a specific water channel protein, Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), in the salivary glands that have survived radiation damage. By altering the methylation of the AQP1 gene, the researchers aim to sustain its expression and improve saliva flow, which is crucial for oral health and quality of life. The study will utilize advanced CRISPR technology to investigate and modify the gene's expression in both laboratory and animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are head and neck cancer survivors who have undergone radiation treatment and are experiencing chronic xerostomia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not received radiation therapy or those with other underlying causes of dry mouth unrelated to radiation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from dry mouth due to radiation therapy by restoring salivary function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using gene therapy for similar conditions, but this specific approach targeting AQP1 through epigenetic modification is novel.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- 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 below.