P2Y2 nucleotide receptor activation enhances the aggregation and self-organization of dispersed salivary epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Hyposalivation resulting from salivary gland dysfunction leads to poor oral health and greatly reduces the quality of life of patients. Current treatments for hyposalivation are limited. However, regenerative medicine to replace dysfunctional salivary glands represents a revolutionary approach. The ability of dispersed salivary epithelial cells or salivary gland-derived progenitor cells to self-organize into acinar-like spheres or branching structures that mimic the native tissue holds promise for cell-based reconstitution of a functional salivary gland. However, the mechanisms involved in salivary epithelial cell aggregation and tissue reconstitution are not fully understood. This study investigated the role of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R), a G protein-coupled receptor that is upr

SUBMITTER: El-Sayed FG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4080185 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature