ATTRACT: How jaw shape and movement affect jaw joint health in adults with jaw misalignment
Official title: ATTRACT: Assessment of Temporomandibular JoinT MoRphology, Mechanics, And Mechanobiology in Class II and III Target and Surgical Phenotypes
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11578861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how the shape and movement of the jawbone in adults with Class II or III jaw misalignment relate to the health and mechanics of the jaw joint.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2026 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $142,650 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DE031512-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11578861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Class II (retrognathism) or Class III (prognathism) jaw deformities, especially those at risk for TMJ disorders.
✕Less likely to help
People without jaw misalignment or TMJ symptoms may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you have a jaw misalignment, researchers will study how the bones of the jaw influence the joints and how the joints wear over time. They will analyze jaw bone shape, how the jaw moves, and the biology of joint tissues to understand what causes TMJ problems in these conditions. The study uses imaging, measurements, and biomechanical analyses to connect bone structure with joint function and tissue responses. The goal is to uncover the biological mechanisms behind TMJ symptoms and how surgery changes joint mechanics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better prediction and management of TMJ disorders in people with jaw misalignment and improve surgical planning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows a link between jaw morphology and TMJ risk, and this study seeks to connect bone structure with tissue biology for deeper understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Hai — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Hai
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.