Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11617663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 10, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,763 |
| NIH project number | 7R56DE029068-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with TMJ OA or related cartilage injury who may benefit from future regenerative treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research may not yet impact patients; findings will take time to translate into therapies.
What this research studies
This project seeks to identify the specific cartilage progenitor cells in the TMJ and how a secretory niche controls their function. By modeling the TMJ condyle as a system, scientists will study the signals that keep these progenitor cells healthy and capable of regeneration. The work builds on prior findings that Lgr5+ niche cells and Wnt pathway inhibitors like SOST and DKK3 influence TMJ cartilage fate. The aims include translating basic science insights into strategies that could one day lead to drugs or therapies for TMJ OA. All activities described are foundational and aimed at enabling future regenerative approaches for patients with TMJ pain and dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could pave the way for regenerative therapies that restore damaged TMJ cartilage and reduce pain for people with TMJ OA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that manipulating niche signals can influence TMJ cartilage progenitors and that SOST injections reduced OA symptoms in animal models, suggesting potential but needing clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Embree, Mildred Christine — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Embree, Mildred Christine
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.