Investigating new treatments for migraine and jaw pain disorders
Official title: Molecular basis for functional S1PR1 antagonists in the treatment of comorbid migraine and temporomandibular disorders
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10937249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor in the body might help us find better treatments for people who suffer from both migraines and jaw pain, with the hope of easing their discomfort and improving their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $620,278 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138127-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from both migraine and temporomandibular disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience migraine or TMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the comorbidity of migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which often worsen each other. By studying the role of a specific receptor, S1PR1, in pain signaling, the researchers aim to identify new treatment options that could alleviate these overlapping pain conditions. The approach includes using animal models to explore how targeting S1PR1 can influence pain pathways and neuroinflammatory processes. The ultimate goal is to develop effective and safe therapies that can be quickly translated into clinical use for patients suffering from these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with migraine and TMD.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific targeting of S1PR1 in these pain conditions is novel, previous studies have shown promise in similar approaches for other pain disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akerman, Simon — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Akerman, Simon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular basis for S1PR1 blockers in migraine and TMD pain
A basic science project to explore how blocking S1PR1 could help people who have both migraine and temporomandibular disorders by studying pain pathways in animal models.
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.