Mapping TMJ Degeneration and Pain
Understanding TMJ Osteoarthritis
Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative joint disease that can lead to chronic pain and progressive joint damage. The biological mechanisms connecting joint degeneration and pain are still not fully understood, making effective treatments challenging.
Our Research
Through our NIH-funded R01 project (DE033511), we use advanced single-cell and imaging technologies to study how the cells, genes, and nerve connections of the TMJ change during osteoarthritis.
Our research focuses on three main goals:
Goal 1
Map cellular and molecular changes associated with TMJOA.
Goal 2
Understand pain-related nerve changes as osteoarthritis progresses.
Goal 3
Investigate Netrin-1/Dcc as potential therapeutic targets for TMJOA pain.
Why It Matters
By creating a comprehensive map of the cellular, molecular, and neural changes in TMJOA, we aim to better understand how joint degeneration leads to pain and uncover new opportunities for treatment.
Collaborative Approach
Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in neuroscience, craniofacial biology, osteoarthritis, pain research, single-cell analysis, and advanced 3D imaging to study TMJOA from multiple perspectives.