Comparison of salivary calmodulin binding proteins in Sjögren's syndrome and healthy individuals

Abstract

Reduction in salivary secretion is the hallmark of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin binding proteins (CaMBPs) play a key role in the secretory process of saliva. Recent studies have suggested that SS-B, an autoantibody associated with SS, is a CaMBP. This finding suggests that CaMBP may contribute to the loss of saliva in SS. To better understand the role(s) of these proteins in SS, the purpose of this study was to compare salivary CaMBPs in Sjögren's patients and controls. Saliva samples were collected from 20 patients and 20 age-, race-, and gender-matched controls. CaM overlay was used to identify CaMBPs in saliva of patients and controls. Higher number of salivary CaMBPs was observed among patients than controls. The increased number of salivary CaMBPs in SS may suggest a potential role for these proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease.