The examination of the influence of parasympathetic nerves on myoepithelial cell differentiation during salivary gland development.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K17172
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University (2023); Tohoku University (2022)
• Principal Investigator: Shindo Yuki 東京医科歯科大学, 東京医科歯科大学病院, 医員 (40911269)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 唾液腺 / 筋上皮細胞 / 発生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we used carbachol, an analogue of acetylcholine secreted by parasympathetic nerves, to examine the effects of parasympathetic nerves on the salivary glands of developing mice. The results showed that carbachol promotes the induction of differentiation of salivary gland epithelial cells into myoepithelial cells via the muscarinic M1 receptor.The results of this study may help develop new treatments for xerostomia.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は発生期マウス唾液腺において器官形成後の支配神経である副交感神経が効果期である筋上皮細胞の分化誘導を促していることを示した。これは発生学に新たな視点をもたらし、臨床的には口腔乾燥症の新たな治療法の開発につながるアプローチであると考える。