Sex-specific pathways of sympathetic dysregulation in TMD and related pain disorders
Official title: Sex-specific Mechanisms of Sympathetic Dysregulation in TMD and Comorbid Pain Disorders
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11600905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress-driven signals in the nervous system may worsen jaw pain and related conditions, especially in women, to find why some people develop stronger pain and tissue changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,591,752 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DE037209-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11600905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with painful TMD, with or without multisite chronic pain conditions, and demographically comparable controls.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without TMD or chronic pain may participate in control groups but are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers at UCLA will observe people with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and comparable controls to see how stress, the autonomic nervous system, and sex influence pain and tissue changes. They will examine how sympathetic activity connects with brain and musculoskeletal changes, inflammation, and neuroplasticity. The project uses surveys, clinical assessments, imaging, and biological samples to map pathways from stress to pain. Results could clarify who is at risk and point to targeted treatments that address nervous system regulation and sex-specific factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to personalized strategies that reduce jaw pain by correcting autonomic nervous system imbalances, especially in women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research supports links between stress, autonomic regulation, and chronic pain, with some evidence of sex-specific effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kapila, Sunil D — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kapila, Sunil D
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.