Unique cells in jaw joint fluid linked to TMJ pain
Single cell analysis of healthy and diseased temporomandibular joint synovial fluid
This project uses single-cell gene testing of jaw joint fluid and blood to find cell types tied to pain in people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172234 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide a small sample of synovial fluid from the temporomandibular (jaw) joint and a blood sample at Thomas Jefferson University. Researchers will develop safe collection procedures, then use single-cell RNA sequencing to read gene activity in each cell from both people with TMJ pain and people without symptoms. By comparing cells from painful and healthy joints, the team hopes to identify a unique cell population or gene signals that track with pain. Any findings could point to new diagnostic markers or treatment targets for people with TMJ disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people of any age with symptomatic TMJ disorders who can provide joint fluid and blood samples, as well as healthy volunteers without TMJ pain to serve as controls.
Not a fit: People without TMJ symptoms, those who cannot undergo joint fluid collection, or anyone seeking immediate pain relief are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests or treatments that better target the source of TMJ pain.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed disease-driving cell types in other joint conditions, but applying this method to TMJ synovial fluid is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomlinson, Ryan — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Tomlinson, Ryan
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 below.