Mapping jaw joint nerves in mice and people
Neural Architecture of the Murine and Human Temporomandibular Joint
Researchers are mapping the nerves that supply the jaw joint to help people with temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will create detailed maps of the nerves that innervate the temporomandibular joint using both mouse experiments and human tissue or imaging. The team will use MRI-guided delivery of retrograde dyes and viral tracers to label specific sensory neurons and study their molecular and physiological properties. They will compare normal tissues with TMJ disorder models and build new genetic mouse tools to target distinct nerve types. The work aims to link specific nerve populations to jaw pain signals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic TMJ pain or those willing to donate jaw tissue or undergo specialized imaging would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without TMJ symptoms or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic mapping research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal the nerve types and molecular targets that drive jaw pain and point to better treatments for TMJ disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Nerve-mapping and viral-tracing techniques have clarified pain circuits in other joints and tissues, but applying them to the TMJ is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donnelly, Christopher Ryan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Donnelly, Christopher Ryan
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 below.