Manipulating the peripheral nerves of the niche to improve epithelial regeneration of the salivary gland

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We live in an increasingly ageing world and by 2030 a predicted 20% of the population will be aged over 65. As we grow older our organs do not function as efficiently and following injury or disease are less able to repair themselves. Over recent years medicine has progressed significantly with cell-based therapies to repair and regenerate injured or old organs. However, the influence of the environment the cells reside in has been largely overlooked. Nerves surround all organs and form part of this specialised cell environment. Nerves interact with stem cells, unspecialised cells that can develop into mature cells following injury, and without nerve input these cells diminish. This research will investigate how the signals the nerves produce can be harnessed or mimicked to promote organ regeneration and will focus on the salivary glands. These rely on a nerve supply, have well-defined stem cells, and if compromised cause significant clinical problems (dry mouth and tooth decay). I predict that if communication between nerves and stem cells is improved salivary glands will work better and regenerate themselves. This would greatly improve quality of life.This research may also have wide-ranging implications for medicine, since all organs are surrounded by nerves.