Investigating how certain nerve cells affect pain relief in dental infections.
Official title: Evaluation of Trigeminal Ganglia Sensory Neuronal Population/s Mediating MIF-Induced Anti-Nociception in a Model of Apical Periodontitis.
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10947075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells can help relieve pain for people with a dental condition called apical periodontitis, and it’s exploring the use of human stem cells to see if they can make pain go away better than regular medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,208 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE033587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing persistent pain following root canal treatment for apical periodontitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have apical periodontitis or those who are not experiencing persistent dental pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglia contribute to pain relief in patients suffering from apical periodontitis, a dental condition that can lead to persistent pain even after treatment. The study explores the potential of using human stem cells to alleviate this pain by examining their effects on hypersensitivity in a preclinical model. By analyzing the expression of a key cytokine, Macrophage Migratory Inhibitory Factor (MIF), the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could provide better pain management for patients. If successful, this could lead to innovative treatments that reduce reliance on traditional pain medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from persistent dental pain, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar research has shown promising results in using stem cells for pain relief, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murillo, Josue de Jesus — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Murillo, Josue de Jesus
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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.