Functional peptide KP24 enhances submandibular gland tissue growth in vitro

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland hypofunction, also known as xerostomia, occurs as a result of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, autoimmune diseases, or aging. Xerostomia leads to oral health problems and thus affects the quality of life. Biological salivary gland tissue generated in vitro would provide an alternative mode of treatment for this disease. METHODS: To develop a novel method for modulating salivary gland tissue growth in vitro, we prepared a KP24 peptide-immobilized hydrogel sheet, wherein the peptide comprised repeating proline and lysine sequences, and evaluated the effect of this peptide on salivary gland tissue growth. RESULTS: We found that the KP24 peptide has the potential to enhance glandular tissue growth in vitro. This enhancement is associated with neurite outgrowth and increasing neural innervation. CONCLUSION: KP24 peptide modified material would be a promising material for the modulation of salivary gland tissue growth in vitro.