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Observational Study of Taste Bud Stem Cells for Diabetes Research

This observational study is exploring whether stem cells from human taste buds can be grown in the lab. Researchers hope these taste bud stem cells could eventually be used to create insulin-producing cells, which might lead to new treatments for diabetes. They also want to see if the number of taste buds and stem cells changes with age. To do this, small pieces of your tongue tissue (about the size of a pen tip) will be removed. These taste buds will grow back. The study is looking for healthy adults aged 18 to 120 who can read and speak English. The main goal is to show that these stem cells can be successfully isolated and grown from human taste buds.

Study design
This is an observational study involving 90 participants, divided into three age groups, with an equal number of men and women in each group.
What's involved
You would have up to 5 small pieces of tissue removed from the front part of your tongue during one visit.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint is measured at the Pilot Study, but no specific follow-up duration is mentioned.

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NCT03366168

Taste Bud-Derived Stem Cells in Humans

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
~250 participants
Updated 2026-08-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
To demonstrate that in humans, epithelial stem cells isolated from the base of human taste buds can be propagated.
Measured over Pilot Study

Conditions

Diabetes

Explore related trials

Healthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Study leadership

  • Josephine M Egan, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Who to contact

Denise L Melvin, R.N.
[email protected]
(410) 350-3924
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years and older

Exclusion

Are able to understand the study risks and procedures, and consent to participate in the study.
Are able to read and speak English.
Have less than 40 fungiform papillae on the anterior third portion of the tongue as evidenced by tongue photo taken during the screen visit.
Does not agree to the use of their tissue samples to produce stem cells.
A medical condition that requires the use of chronic anticoagulant medication use such as warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin or antiplatelet agents other than low dose aspirin (81mg).
History of increased bleeding due to either a known medical condition or an undiagnosed cause.
Active infections or chronic conditions that would prevent access to the biopsy area.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as Motrin (Ibuprofen), Advil (Ibuprofen) or Naprosyn (Naproxen) and the participant is unable to stop taking them 4 days before and 3 days after the final biopsy procedure.
Taking more than 81 mg of aspirin a day and the participant is unable to stop taking it for 4 days before and 3 days after the biopsy procedure.
Allergic to Lidocaine (Xylocaine) or any other local anesthetic or the participant has had in the past a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs.
Have taken steroids, other than ocular within 30 days of their scheduled biopsy procedure.
HIV virus infection.
Hepatitis B or C.
Kidney disease (Creatinine greater than1.5 mg/dl or calculated creatinine clearance less than 50 cc/min).
Liver disease (ALT, AST or alkaline phosphatase twice the normal serum concentration).
Severe gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn s disease or ulcerative colitis requiring continuous treatment.
History of severe pulmonary disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma requiring continuous medication use.
History of using any tobacco products within the past six months.
History of severe psychiatric conditions associated with behavioral problems or requiring chronic medical treatment.
Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Current illness that as judged by the study physician substantially increases the risks associated with the tongue biopsy (active infections, allergies, etc.).

What this trial measures

  • To demonstrate that in humans, epithelial stem cells isolated from the base of human taste buds can be propagated.Pilot Study

    Stem cells will be isolated from the taste buds within the fungiform papillae, propagated in vitro, and then differentiated into glucose responsive insulin secreting cells.