Saliva and Salivary Glands

Salivary gland development, morphogenesis and regeneration depends on the delicate balance of self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Salivary gland dyfunction, such as hyposalivation associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome and from γ-irradiation therapy of Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma patients, constitutes major health problems with limited treatment options. Our laboratory studies transcriptional and signaling networks that regulate stem and progenitor cell function of the salivary gland with the ultimate goal to improve stem cell-based regenerative therapies and tissue engineering.