title: Wetting the whistle: neurotropic factor improves salivary function.
abstract: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect of head and neck radiotherapy, Sjögren syndrome, diabetes, old age, and numerous medications. In this issue of the JCI, Xiao and colleagues identified glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a potential stimulus for salivary stem cell growth. Due to its ability to promote neuronal growth, differentiation, and survival, GDNF is currently being used in clinical trials as a treatment for Parkinson disease; therefore, the findings of Xiao and colleagues may initiate a potential treatment for the millions of patients who suffer from xerostomia each year.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Swick
authors.forename: Randall J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kimple
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C495039:GDNF protein, human; C495040:Gdnf protein, mouse; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor