GADD153 as a novel molecular fingerprint for Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

Scientific objective Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic focal leukocyte infiltration and inflammation of exocrine glands including salivary glands thereby resulting in persistent dry mouth and consequent increased risk for dental caries and periodontal disease. Assessment of leukocyte infiltration into minor salivary glands of lower lip biopsy samples is commonly used to aid with diagnosis of SS; however, this approach may identify 60-80% of those afflicted with the disease thereby requiring use of additional diagnostic tests/markers which relies on a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SS. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a pivotal regulator of inflammation and cell death. An integral component of ER stress-induced apoptosis is expression of the growth arrestand DNA damage-inducible protein 153 (GADD153). Thus, we tested the hypothesis that SS is associated with increased salivary gland expression of GADD153 and increased leukocyte infiltration thereby contributing to inflammation and cell death.