Mapping the nerve cells that supply the jaw joint in people with and without TMJ pain
Comprehensive functional phenotyping of trigeminal neurons innervating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissues in male female and aged mice primates and humans with and without TMJ disorders (TMJD)
This project maps and compares the types and behavior of nerve cells that supply the jaw joint in men, women, older adults, and across animals and humans with and without TMJ pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166995 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying the nerve cells that connect to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by examining samples from mice, primates, and human TMJ tissues. They will use detailed imaging, molecular profiling, and anatomical mapping to identify different nerve cell types, where they sit, and how they change with age, sex, or TMJ pain. The team will compare tissues from people with TMJ disorder (TMJD) and without to look for nerve changes linked to pain. Findings aim to point to possible targets for new therapies for people who suffer chronic TMJ pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with TMJ disorder who are willing to provide clinical information or tissue samples through participating clinics or surgical procedures, and healthy volunteers donating matched tissue when available.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate pain relief or those whose TMJ pain is solely due to structural jaw problems rather than nerve changes may not get direct benefit from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal nerve-based targets that lead to new and better treatments for TMJ pain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic studies have shown unique nerve cell types in TMJ tissues, but this cross-species, sex- and age-focused mapping is broader and largely exploratory rather than a tested therapy.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akopian, Armen N — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Akopian, Armen N
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.