Targeting LPA signaling to treat temporomandibular disorder pain
Official title: Identification and validation of LPA/LPAR signaling as a target for the treatment of temporomandibular disorder pain
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10853981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) might be linked to the pain people feel from jaw problems, and it aims to find new ways to help relieve that pain more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,372,116 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE032676-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10853981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders experiencing chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without temporomandibular disorders or those whose pain is not related to LPA signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and its receptors in the pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The team aims to validate LPA/LPAR signaling as a potential target for new pain treatments by studying its effects in both animal models and human tissues. By understanding how LPA contributes to pain in TMD, the researchers hope to develop more effective, mechanism-based therapies that could reduce pain and side effects compared to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from temporomandibular disorder pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting LPA signaling for pain management, but this specific application to TMD is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yong — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Photobiomodulation for jaw pain from TMD
A clinician-scientist at the University of Florida is testing a light-based therapy to help adults with temporomandibular disorder pain feel better and jaw function improve.
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Targeted light therapy for jaw pain (TMD)
This project uses targeted light therapy to try to reduce jaw pain in adults with temporomandibular disorder.
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Female-specific trigeminal dynorphin role in TMD and migraine overlap
This grant studies why women with jaw pain (TMD) often have migraines and looks for female-focused targets to treat both conditions.
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Photobiomodulation for jaw pain from TMD
A study tests a light-based therapy to help adults with temporomandibular disorder reduce jaw pain without drugs.
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Light Therapy for Jaw Pain
This project is exploring if a special type of light therapy, called photobiomodulation, can help adults who experience chronic pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
-
Understanding jaw pain and migraine in women
This project looks for new ways to treat jaw pain (TMD) and migraine headaches, especially in women.
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.