Investigating how sex differences affect pain signaling in facial nerves.
Official title: Sex Differences in the Neuroimmune Modulation of Trigeminal Sensory Neurons
Funded at Texas Woman's University · NIH-10730658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why women often experience more facial pain, like headaches and jaw pain, than men, and it focuses on how the hormone estrogen might affect this pain, with the goal of finding better ways to manage it for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Woman's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denton, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $383,429 |
| NIH project number | 2R15DE025970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing chronic oral and craniofacial pain, particularly those with temporomandibular joint disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience craniofacial pain or who are male may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the reasons behind the higher prevalence of oral and craniofacial pain in women compared to men, particularly focusing on conditions like headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders. It examines how the hormone estrogen influences pain signaling in trigeminal sensory neurons, which are crucial for facial pain perception. By studying the interaction between estrogen and serotonin in these neurons, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better pain management strategies. The findings could help tailor treatments based on sex differences in pain experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies specifically designed for women suffering from craniofacial pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that hormonal influences can significantly affect pain perception, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Woman's University
Denton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Averitt, Dayna Loyd — Texas Woman's University
- Study coordinator: Averitt, Dayna Loyd
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.