Understanding the nerve functions related to jaw joint pain.
Official title: 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)
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11093205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the nerve cells that affect the jaw joint to understand how they might cause pain in people with TMJ disorders, and it hopes to find new ways to help those who are suffering.
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 start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $70,343 |
| NIH project number | 3UC2AR082195-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing temporomandibular joint pain, as well as healthy individuals for comparative analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to temporomandibular joint disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the types and functions of nerve cells that innervate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissues, focusing on how these nerves may contribute to pain in TMJ disorders. By examining samples from male, female, and aged mice, primates, and humans, the study aims to map the distribution and characteristics of these trigeminal neurons. The approach includes detailed analysis of the neuroanatomy and plasticity of these neurons, which could reveal important insights into the mechanisms of TMJ pain. Ultimately, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from TMJ disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding nerve functions related to pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.