Investigating the role of a specific protein in pain related to jaw disorders and migraines in women
Official title: Female-specific role of trigeminal dynorphin in temporomandibular disorder and its comorbidity
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10890894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how jaw pain from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) might be linked to migraine headaches in women, and it hopes to find new ways to help relieve that pain by exploring a specific protein involved in both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $352,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032061-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing temporomandibular disorders and migraine headaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have temporomandibular disorders or migraines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and migraine headaches, particularly in women. It aims to explore the molecular mechanisms behind TMD pain and its relationship with migraines, using an animal model to simulate these conditions. Researchers will investigate the role of trigeminal dynorphin, a protein that may be a key factor in this pain overlap, and assess how blocking this protein affects pain levels in female subjects. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets for treating these painful conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments specifically designed for women suffering from TMD and migraine pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding pain mechanisms related to TMD and migraines, but this specific approach focusing on female-specific factors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tao, Feng — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tao, Feng
Related research
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Female-specific trigeminal dynorphin role in TMD and migraine overlap
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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.