
Editor's Pics
Ionocytes in Salivary Glands

Editor's Pics
Ionocytes in Salivary Glands
Credit: Scripps Research
Scientists at Scripps Research and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have discovered a cell called an ionocyte in salivary glands that is likely crucial for oral health and may have implications for cystic fibrosis. Genetically labeled epithelial FGF10-expressing ionocytes (red) directly contact with contractile myoepithelial cells (green), which release saliva from the ducts (nuclei shown in blue). Their maintenance is an important function of the FGF10-expressing ionocytes.
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