Actively Recruiting
Taste Bud-Derived Stem Cells in Humans
Led by National Institute on Aging (NIA) · Updated on 2026-05-01
250
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
471 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Stem cells are found in body tissues. They can regenerate into more of the same cells or become other types of cell. Researchers want to use stem cells from taste buds to try to make cells that secrete insulin. Taste buds are found mostly on the tip and sides of the tongue. Researchers also want to study if the number of taste buds and stem cells decrease as people age. They will remove small pieces of tongue tissue (about the size of a pen tip). The taste buds will grow back. It is hoped that studying taste bud stem cells can lead to new diabetes treatments. Objectives: To see if stem cells from taste buds can be isolated in humans. Eligibility: Healthy adults at least 18 years old Design: Participants will be screened with: * Medical history * Physical exam * Blood and urine tests * Tongue photograph and mouth inspection. Food coloring will be applied to the tongue. Participants will have 1 study visit. They will not eat or drink anything 8 hours before. * They will give blood and urine samples. * They will have a tongue biopsy. Vital signs will be checked. The inside of the mouth will be examined. The tongue may be cleaned. The tongue will be numbed. Five small pieces of tissue will be taken with a small scissor. Any bleeding will be blotted with cotton and should stop in minutes. * Participants will be monitored for about 30 minutes. They will get a snack or meal. * They will be told how to take care of the tongue for the rest of the day. Participants will be called a week later to see how the
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Taste Bud-Derived Stem Cells in Humans
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years and older
- Healthy as defined by exclusion criteria
- Able to understand the study risks and procedures and provide consent
- Able to read and speak English
You will not qualify if you...
- Fewer than 40 fungiform papillae on the front third of the tongue
- Do not agree to use of tissue samples for stem cell production
- Use of chronic anticoagulant medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin, or certain antiplatelet agents (except low dose aspirin)
- History of increased bleeding or bleeding disorders
- Active infections or chronic conditions preventing biopsy access
- Use of NSAIDs or aspirin above 81 mg daily without ability to stop before and after biopsy
- Allergy to lidocaine or similar local anesthetics
- Use of steroids (other than eye steroids) within 30 days before biopsy
- Infection with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
- Kidney disease with specific lab value thresholds
- Liver disease with elevated liver enzymes
- Severe gastrointestinal diseases requiring ongoing treatment
- Severe pulmonary diseases requiring continuous medication
- Tobacco use within past six months
- Severe psychiatric conditions needing chronic treatment
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Current illness increasing biopsy risks as judged by study physician
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Denise L Melvin, R.N.
CONTACT
J
Josephine M Egan, M.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here