 The study examined the effects of radiation on salivary glands and found that the mechanism behind this process involves the disruption of neurotrophin signaling in the MECs, which are epithelial progenitor cells. This disruption leads to the upregulation of neurotrophin receptor genes in these cells, which in turn causes them to become more responsive to neurotrophins. These changes lead to the impairment of MEC differentiation and the ability of the gland to regenerate. This article was authored by Alejandro M. Chaebley, Faisoli and Patel, Maritage or, and others.