Investigating the role of gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acids in chronic jaw pain
Official title: Short-chain fatty acids and chronic temporomandibular joint pain
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10994638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in gut bacteria and certain substances called short-chain fatty acids might be linked to chronic pain in the jaw joint, and it could lead to a new treatment option for people suffering from TMJ pain.
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 | January 5, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $359,813 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031255-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic temporomandibular joint pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute TMJ pain or those whose pain is not related to gut microbiome disturbances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in gut bacteria and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) may contribute to chronic pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind TMJ pain, particularly focusing on how SCFAs can influence pain through epigenetic changes. Patients may receive SCFA supplementation as a potential new treatment option to alleviate their chronic TMJ pain. The research will involve a series of experiments to assess the therapeutic effects of SCFAs and the biological pathways involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new non-opioid treatment option for patients suffering from chronic TMJ pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using gut microbiome modulation for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
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
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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.