TMJ cell diversity and job of jaw cartilage in health and disease
Official title: Cellular heterogeneity and niche regulation in TMJ
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11406162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Delaware will map the different cell types in the jaw joint and how they change in TMJ osteoarthritis to help identify new treatment ideas for people suffering from TMJ disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 4, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $361,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034736-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with TMJ disorders or osteoarthritis who may benefit from future therapies rooted in jaw joint cell biology.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without TMJ disorders are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will explore how distinct cell populations in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) contribute to development and TMJ osteoarthritis. They will use advanced techniques that examine individual cell gene activity and trace where cells come from, alongside preclinical disease models. The goal is to understand how the surface layers of the jaw bone influence cell fate and tissue organization, which may drive OA symptoms. This work could reveal new targets for non-invasive therapies that address the root causes of TMJ disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat TMJ osteoarthritis, potentially reducing pain and improving jaw function.
How similar studies have gone: Similar cell-labeling and single-cell studies have yielded novel insights into joint diseases and informed early therapeutic ideas.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Joohyun Jason — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Lim, Joohyun Jason
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.