MicroRNA roles in TMJ health and disease and how they shape jaw cartilage
Official title: MicroRNA-Mediated Mechanisms in Temporomandibular Joint Health and Disease
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11367454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused study exploring how tiny genetic molecules called microRNAs help keep the jaw joint healthy or contribute to TMJ disease, with potential for new, more personalized treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Somerville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 5, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,281 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035223-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with TMJ disease or at risk for TMJ osteoarthritis may be eligible for future studies or related clinical investigations.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TMJ symptoms or not involved in TMJ-related research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a key joint for talking and chewing, to understand why its cartilage sometimes breaks down. Scientists will study microRNAs and how they regulate cells that rebuild TMJ cartilage, as well as the Hippo signaling pathway that affects tissue growth. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to targeted therapies that restore cartilage quality and reduce TMJ pain and dysfunction. By learning how these molecular processes differ in healthy vs. diseased TMJ tissue, researchers hope to pave the way for personalized treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that protect or restore TMJ cartilage and improve jaw function for people with TMJ disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in joint biology and small RNAs suggests promising mechanisms, but TMJ-specific findings are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Somerville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maruyama, Takamitsu — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Maruyama, Takamitsu
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.