Mayo Clinic Launches First Salivary Gland Regenerative Biobank For Chronic Dry Mouth

Millions suffer from chronic dry mouth, known scientifically as xerostomia, which results from damaged salivary glands. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments for head and neck cancer, aging, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV/AIDS. Despite the widespread impact of this ailment, a definitive cure has remained elusive.

In a step towards addressing this issue, Mayo Clinic researchers have successfully established the first biobank of human salivary gland tissue-organoids worldwide. This initiative paves the way for groundbreaking research aimed at developing treatments for chronic dry mouth. Dr. Nagarajan Kannan, the study's lead author and the director of the Mayo Clinic Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, emphasized the significance of this biobank.

He remarked, "This unique biobank resource overcomes a major barrier we've faced in the field, namely: limited access to standardized salivary specimens suited for salivary gland regeneration research. This collection provides a foundation for regenerative therapy development, especially for radiation-induced chronic dry mouth."

The quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic dry mouth is severely impacted, as nearly 70% of patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer report permanent damage to their salivary glands.

Symptoms include a persistent sensation similar to having cotton in their mouths, which not only is uncomfortable but also complicates chewing, tasting, speaking, and swallowing. Moreover, it heightens the risk of tooth decay.

Dr. Jeffrey Janus, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and co-author of the study, shared insights into the plight of these patients. "Chronic dry mouth can extend long after radiation treatments are complete. It's among the top concerns I hear from patients with head and neck cancer. Unfortunately, there aren't many therapeutics available commercially for these patients," he stated.

The biobank, housing specimens from 208 donors, stands as a beacon of hope. Researchers have already identified biomarkers for mature saliva-producing cells and pinpointed the potential tissue origin of rare, self-renewing salivary cells, thanks to a high-resolution protein map. This discovery is part of a broader initiative to cultivate regenerative cells in numbers large enough to eventually facilitate the healing and regeneration of healthy salivary gland cells in affected individuals.

Furthermore, the development of a radiation injury model, in conjunction with the biobank, provides a comprehensive platform for discovering new, personalized regenerative biotherapeutics.

This initiative represents a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Department of Otolaryngology. Through this joint effort, researchers aim to unlock new treatments that will alleviate the suffering of millions worldwide affected by chronic dry mouth.