The investigation of salivary gland ionocytes holds substantial importance as their impaired function can result in alterations in saliva composition, potentially leading to diverse oral health complications. Gaining insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing ion transport within these specialized cells could offer possibilities for developing therapeutic approaches targeting salivary gland disorders and associated ailments.

    Together with our collaborators Drs. Ovitt and Yule we discovered several novel features of the ionocyte cell population. Thus Dr. Yule’s group showed the spontaneous activity in ionocytes prior to any neural stimulation. This spontaneous activity has never been seen in acinar cells or non-ionocyte duct cells, highlighting the unique properties of SMG ionocytes.