Innovative Biobank Established to Address Chronic Dry Mouth

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have successfully established the world's first biobank dedicated to human salivary gland tissue-organoids, aiming to provide a significant resource for combating chronic dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia. This condition affects millions globally and is particularly prevalent among those undergoing treatments for head and neck cancers, as well as individuals with various health issues such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and certain medications.

The development of this biobank addresses a critical challenge in salivary gland regeneration research: the scarcity of standardized salivary specimens. The biobank's creation is a vital step forward in developing regenerative therapies for patients suffering from chronic dry mouth, particularly those experiencing radiation-induced damage to their salivary glands.

The impacts of chronic dry mouth can be severe, leading to a reduced quality of life. Symptoms include an uncomfortable sensation akin to having cotton in the mouth, which can interfere with essential functions such as chewing, tasting, speaking, and swallowing, in addition to increasing the risk of tooth decay.

It is estimated that nearly 70% of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy will face long-lasting damage to their salivary glands. Despite the prevalence of this condition, treatment options remain limited, which has prompted researchers to explore innovative solutions.

A promising avenue being investigated involves the cultivation of rare regenerative cells that could enable the growth of new, functional salivary gland cells. The biobank currently houses specimens from 208 donors, providing a rich repository for ongoing research. Already, scientists have identified biomarkers indicative of mature saliva-producing cells and mapped proteins to trace the origins of self-renewing salivary cells.

This research initiative is a collaboration between several departments within the Mayo Clinic, including the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and the Department of Otolaryngology. By integrating the biobank with a newly developed radiation injury model, researchers hope to uncover personalized regenerative biotherapeutics tailored to individual patient needs.

The establishment of this biobank opens up new avenues for research aimed at ultimately curing chronic dry mouth, providing hope to millions affected by this debilitating condition.