# Determining the function of Trp-positive trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the submandibular salivary glands

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $43,094

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Dry mouth affects nearly 30% of Americans, yet there are no treatments that effectively regulate saliva
production and composition long-term. Autonomic neurons innervating the major salivary glands have been
well-characterized and represent a main therapeutic target to trigger saliva production. However, this approach
only offers acute alleviation and results in unwanted side effects. Somatosensory neurons found in the
trigeminal ganglion initiate the detection of touch, pain, temperature, and chemicals in various craniofacial
tissues. Previous findings suggest that trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the periodontal ligament and
other oral structures initiate salivary-reflexes and indirectly contribute to saliva regulation. Now, our preliminary
data suggest that direct sensory innervation is also present. We hypothesize the direct trigeminal sensory
innervation of submandibular glands by Trp-positive trigeminal neurons provides feedback to modulate the
salivary system. The objective of this proposal is to determine the targets of Trp-positive trigeminal sensory
neurons innervating the submandibular salivary gland and the role they play in altering the secretion of saliva
volume and composition based on chemical cues. In Aim 1, we will combine viral vector, genetic, and
immunohistochemistry strategies to determine the central and peripheral targets of Trp-positive trigeminal
sensory neurons innervating the submandibular glands. In Aim 2, we will use in vivo calcium imaging and
chemogenetics to determine how this trigeminal innervation to the glands respond to chemical stimulation and
modulate saliva outputs. The submandibular gland maintains the continuous basal flow rate of saliva, thus
defining the function of Trp-positive sensory neurons present in this gland might reveal a long-term therapeutic
target to modulate basal saliva secretion. Overall, our results will for the first time provide a mechanistic,
cellular basis for novel sensory feedback and its role in saliva modulation. Furthermore, this research will
provide a foundation for determining how trigeminal innervation of the submandibular gland can be used to
address salivary gland dysfunction and provide additional therapeutic targets to counteract the loss of saliva.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10994745
- **Project number:** 1F31DE034282-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Deanna Nicole Cannizzaro
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $43,094
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-17 → 2028-07-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10994745

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10994745, Determining the function of Trp-positive trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the submandibular salivary glands (1F31DE034282-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10994745. Licensed CC0.

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