Mireya G. B. Felhazy, D.D.S., Ph.D.

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Saliva is an essential fluid for maintaining not only oral homeostasis, but also for carrying out vital functions such as swallowing, chewing and lubrication. Some systemic diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, and traumatic or iatrogenic events like head and neck radiotherapy, can alter the salivary fluid rate, as well as the salivary composition.

Salivary gland secretion involves the dynamic interaction of the major and minor salivary glands and many other glandular structures which in a coordinated way excrete saliva into the oral cavity. The secretory process is a highly regulated mechanism in which Cl - channels, K + channels, Cl - /HCO 3 - exchangers, aquaporins, Na + /H + exchangers, carbonic anhydrases, Na + /K + /2Cl - co-transporter and the Na + /K + ATPase work in unison to generate saliva. The activation of these proteins on the basolateral and apical membranes of the acinar cells, determines the rate and direction of salt and water secretion, thus producing the primary saliva (isotonic) which is excreted into the lumen. Conversely, activation of the ion transport proteins expressed in ductal cells promotes the excretion of hypotonic saliva, due to the reabsorption of NaCl and the excretion of K + /HCO 3 - .

Within the last five years Proteomics has changed the understanding of molecular biology. Analytical methods and new techniques for proteomics have become available for characterizing thousands of proteins, gathering important information about their physicochemical properties, and studying their role in biological processes and human disease.

The main focus of my current research is to determine the molecular identity of some proteins involved in salivary secretion by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectroscopy in order to gather further understanding about their physiological role in health and disease processes.

Current Appointments

• Research Assistant Professor - Department of Dentistry, Center for Oral Biology (SMD)

Education
PhD Health Services Research	Mexico-U Nacional Auto Mexico	2001
D DS Dentistry	Mexico-U Nacional Auto Mexico	1983

Post-Doctoral Training & Residency
Postdoctoral trainee, NIH/NIDCR Oral Cellular Molecular Training Grant, University of Rochester, NY.	2003 - 2006

Fellowship Awards
Program in Molecular Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo	1990 - 1992
Program in Biology, Colegio Simon Bolivar (Mexico)	1974 - 1978

Lab Description

Using Proteomics for Cloning ATP-activated Chloride Channel.

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Recent Journal Articles
Showing the 5 most recent journal articles. (16 available)
Gonzalez, M.; Sanchez, M.E.; Jimenez, G. "The Influence of ancestral myths and traditions on the oral health of Otomies pregnant women." Revista Antropomorfas 6 (2002): 58-65.
Banderas-Tarabay JA; Zacarías-D'Oleire IG; Garduño-Estrada R; Aceves-Luna E; González-Begné M. "Electrophoretic analysis of whole saliva and prevalence of dental caries. A study in Mexican dental students." Archives of medical research. 2002; 33(5):499-505.
Gonzalez, M.; Montes de Oca, L.; Jimenez, G. "Changes in Saliva composition of pregnant and non-pregnant women." Perinatologia y Reproduccion Humana 15 (2001): 195-201.
González Begné M; Yslas N; Reyes E; Quiroz V; Santana J; Jimenez G. "Clinical effect of a Mexican sanguinaria extract (Polygonum aviculare L.) on gingivitis." Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2001; 74(1):45-51.
Banderas, J.A.; Toshikasu, O.; González, M. "Oral Mucosa Lesions in Mazahua Indian Adolescents." Acta Odont. Latinamer 12-13 (1999): 11-20.