Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 29310

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Sang-Gun Ahn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
Interests: cellular stress defense mechanism; aging and metabolism; photodynamic therapy in cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Salivary gland dysfunctional changes occur with reduced salivary flow and dry mouth (xerostomia) and commonly involve oral dysfunction, tooth structure deterioration, and infection through reduced salivation. Anatomically, aging induces atrophy of acinar cells (ACs) and replacement of normal gland parenchyma with adipose tissue, connective tissue, and oncocytes. Recently, numerous medical drugs and treatments (radiation, chemotherapy) have been shown to significantly contribute to salivary gland dysfunction. Although changes associated with salivary gland dysfunction are affected by multiple factors, such as the environment, not all changes are considered to be physiological, and how aging influences the function of salivary glands is unclear.

This Special Issue discusses the mechanism of aging–salivary gland disorder, and new entities, such as functional regeneration of the salivary gland. Furthermore, we provide an overview of new advances in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of aging and the salivary gland.

Prof. Sang-Gun Ahn
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Salivary gland
Aging
Oral dysfunction
Functional regeneration
Metabolism

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 11187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Expression of Peroxisomal Proteins in Distinct Types of Parotid Gland Tumors

by Malin Tordis Meyer, Christoph Watermann, Thomas Dreyer, Steffen Wagner, Claus Wittekindt, Jens Peter Klussmann, Süleyman Ergün, Eveline Baumgart-Vogt and Srikanth Karnati

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 7872; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22157872 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

Salivary gland cancers are rare but aggressive tumors that have poor prognosis and lack effective cure. Of those, parotid tumors constitute the majority. Functioning as metabolic machinery contributing to cellular redox balance, peroxisomes have emerged as crucial players in tumorigenesis. Studies on murine and human cells have examined the role of peroxisomes in carcinogenesis with conflicting results. These studies either examined the consequences of altered peroxisomal proliferators or compared their expression in healthy and neoplastic tissues. None, however, examined such differences exclusively in human parotid tissue or extended comparison to peroxisomal proteins and their associated gene expressions. Therefore, we examined differences in peroxisomal dynamics in parotid tumors of different morphologies. Using immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR, we compared the expression levels of key peroxisomal enzymes and proliferators in healthy and neoplastic parotid tissue samples. Three parotid tumor subtypes were examined: pleomorphic adenoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. We observed higher expression of peroxisomal matrix proteins in neoplastic samples with exceptional down regulation of certain enzymes; however, the degree of expression varied between tumor subtypes. Our findings confirm previous experimental results on other organ tissues and suggest peroxisomes as possible therapeutic targets or markers in all or certain subtypes of parotid neoplasms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscarinic Receptors and BK Channels Are Affected by Lipid Raft Disruption of Salivary Gland Cells

by Jisoo Lee, Yoon-Jung Kim, La-Mee Choi, Keimin Lee, Hee-Kyung Park and Se-Young Choi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22094780 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

Activity-dependent fluid secretion is the most important physiological function of salivary glands and is regulated via muscarinic receptor signaling. Lipid rafts are important for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and ion channels in plasma membranes. However, it is not well understood whether lipid raft disruption affects all membrane events or only specific functions in muscarinic receptor-mediated water secretion in salivary gland cells. We investigated the effects of lipid raft disruption on the major membrane events of muscarinic transcellular water movement in human salivary gland (HSG) cells. We found that incubation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), which depletes lipid rafts, inhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in HSG cells and isolated mouse submandibular acinar cells. However, MβCD did not inhibit a Ca²⁺ increase induced by thapsigargin, which activates store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Interestingly, MβCD increased the activity of the large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (BK channel). Finally, we found that MβCD did not directly affect the translocation of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) into the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that lipid rafts maintain muscarinic Ca²⁺ signaling at the receptor level without directly affecting the activation of SOCE induced by intracellular Ca²⁺ pool depletion or the translocation of AQP5 into the plasma membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Protects Pro-Acinar Epithelia Against Salivary Gland Radiation Injury

by Erni Sulistiyani, James M. Brimson, Ajjima Chansaenroj, Ladawan Sariya, Ganokon Urkasemsin, Sornjarod Oonsiri, Tewin Tencomnao, Anjalee Vacharaksa, Risa Chaisuparat and Joao N. Ferreira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(6), 3162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22063162 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

Antioxidant agents are promising pharmaceuticals to prevent salivary gland (SG) epithelial injury from radiotherapy and their associated irreversible dry mouth symptoms. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a well-known antioxidant that can exert growth or inhibitory biological effects in normal or pathological tissues leading to disease prevention. The effects of EGCG in the various SG epithelial compartments are poorly understood during homeostasis and upon radiation (IR) injury. This study aims to: (1) determine whether EGCG can support epithelial proliferation during homeostasis; and (2) investigate what epithelial cells are protected by EGCG from IR injury. Ex vivo mouse SG were treated with EGCG from 7.5–30 µg/mL for up to 72 h. Next, SG epithelial branching morphogenesis was evaluated by bright-field microscopy, immunofluorescence, and gene expression arrays. To establish IR injury models, linear accelerator (LINAC) technologies were utilized, and radiation doses optimized. EGCG epithelial effects in these injury models were assessed using light, confocal and electron microscopy, the Griess assay, immunohistochemistry, and gene arrays. SG pretreated with EGCG 7.5 µg/mL promoted epithelial proliferation and the development of pro-acinar buds and ducts in regular homeostasis. Furthermore, EGCG increased the populations of epithelial progenitors in buds and ducts and pro-acinar cells, most probably due to its observed antioxidant activity after IR injury, which prevented epithelial apoptosis. Future studies will assess the potential for nanocarriers to increase the oral bioavailability of EGCG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Choline Acetyltransferase Induces the Functional Regeneration of the Salivary Gland in Aging SAMP1/Kl -/- Mice

by Nguyen Khanh Toan, Nguyen Chi Tai, Soo-A Kim and Sang-Gun Ahn

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22010404 - 02 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3518

Abstract

Salivary gland dysfunction induces salivary flow reduction and a dry mouth, and commonly involves oral dysfunction, tooth structure deterioration, and infection through reduced salivation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of aging on the salivary gland by a metabolomics approach in an extensive aging mouse model, SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. We found that the salivary secretion of SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice was dramatically decreased compared with that of SAMP1/Klotho WT (+/+) mice. Metabolomics profiling analysis showed that the level of acetylcholine was significantly decreased in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice, although the corresponding levels of acetylcholine precursors, acetyl-CoA and choline, increased. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which is responsible for catalyzing acetylcholine synthesis, was significantly decreased in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. The overexpression of ChAT induced the expression of salivary gland functional markers (α–amylase, ZO-1, and Aqua5) in primary cultured salivary gland cells from SAMP1/Klotho +/+ and -/- mice. In an in vivo study, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-ChAT transduction significantly increased saliva secretion compared with the control in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. These results suggest that the dysfunction in acetylcholine biosynthesis induced by ChAT reduction may cause impaired salivary gland function Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessReview

2021 Update on Diagnostic Markers and Translocation in Salivary Gland Tumors

by Malin Tordis Meyer, Christoph Watermann, Thomas Dreyer, Süleyman Ergün and Srikanth Karnati

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6771; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22136771 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5563

Abstract

Salivary gland tumors are a rare tumor entity within malignant tumors of all tissues. The most common are malignant mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and acinic cell carcinoma. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most recurrent form of benign salivary gland tumor. Due to their low incidence rates and complex histological patterns, they are difficult to diagnose accurately. Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are challenging in terms of differentiation because of their variability in histochemistry and translocations. Therefore, the primary goal of the study was to review the current literature to identify the recent developments in histochemical diagnostics and translocations for differentiating salivary gland tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Nguyen Khanh Toan and Sang-Gun Ahn

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5835; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22115835 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7411

Abstract

Aging-related salivary dysfunction commonly induces the poor oral health, including decreased saliva flow and dental caries. Although the clinical significance of the salivary glands is well-known, the complex metabolic pathways contributing to the aging-dysfunction process are only beginning to be uncovered. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic changes in aging-mediated salivary gland dysfunction as a key aspect of oral physiology. Several metabolic neuropeptides or hormones are involved in causing or contributing to salivary gland dysfunction, including hyposalivation and age-related diseases. Thus, aging-related metabolism holds promise for early diagnosis, increased choice of therapy and the identification of new metabolic pathways that could potentially be targeted in salivary gland dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessReview

TGF-β Pathway in Salivary Gland Fibrosis

by Xianglan Zhang, Jun Seop Yun, Dawool Han, Jong In Yook, Hyun Sil Kim and Eunae Sandra Cho

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(23), 9138; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21239138 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4725

Abstract

Fibrosis is presented in various physiologic and pathologic conditions of the salivary gland. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in several organs, including the salivary glands. Among the TGF-β superfamily members, TGF-β1 and 2 are pro-fibrotic ligands, whereas TGF-β3 and some bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are anti-fibrotic ligands. TGF-β1 is thought to be associated with the pro-fibrotic pathogenesis of sialadenitis, post-radiation salivary gland dysfunction, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Potential therapeutic strategies that target multiple levels in the TGF-β pathway are under preclinical and clinical research for fibrosis. Despite the anti-fibrotic effect of BMPs, their in vivo delivery poses a challenge in terms of adequate clinical efficacy. In this article, we will review the relevance of TGF-β signaling in salivary gland fibrosis and advances of potential therapeutic options in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Salivary Gland and Their Function)

► Show Figures