Unlocking the Secrets of Salivary Glands: Epithelial Diversity, Immune Crosstalk, and Regeneration

Submandibular Gland.

Explore how rare epithelial cells like tuft cells regulate inflammation, regeneration, and circadian rhythms in salivary glands using state-of-the-art molecular and imaging techniques. 

Project description

Our lab investigates how epithelial cells in the salivary glands interact with immune and stromal cells to maintain tissue homeostasis, support secretion, and respond to injury. A key focus is understanding the role of rare epithelial cells such as tuft cells in regulating immune signaling and repair following damage.

Students will participate in projects that explore salivary gland development, inflammation, and regeneration using mouse models and advanced techniques in histology, immunofluorescence, gene expression analysis, and spatial biology.

Depending on interest and experience, students may also engage in transcriptomic data analysis, including single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing. 

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Students will be trained in:

  • Cryosectioning and tissue preparation
  • Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy 
  • RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, and transcriptomic data interpretation
  • Mouse salivary gland dissection and sample handling
  • Mouse colony management

Students will gain experience in experimental design and data interpretation and will have the opportunity to present their findings at UB research symposia. Highly committed students may be included as co-authors on publications arising from their contributions. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Anytime
Start time  More than a year
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project
Level of collaboration Individual student project 
Benefits Potential academic credit
Who is eligible Freshmen and sophomores 

Core partners

  • Optical Imaging and Analysis Facility
  • UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core 

Project mentor

Harim Tavares dos Santos

Assistant Professor

Oral Biology

Phone: (716) 829-2854

Email: harimtav@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Before joining the lab, students must:

  • Meet with Dr. Tavares to discuss the project
  • Complete the UB Lab Safety Training

Keywords

dentistry, oral biology, mice, microscopy