Project description:Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is a craniofacial disorder characterized by joint dysfunction and orofacial pain. Despite of its established roles in fluid and immune regulation, lymphatic regulation, and function in TMJ remain unknown. Using genetic report mouse, uDISCO tissue clearing, and 3D volume imaging, we defined lymphatic vessel morphology, structure, anatomic location in adult mouse TMJ. We demonstrate in a mouse model of TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJOA) that arthritis induces inflammatory lymphangiogenesis and leads to impaired synovial lymphatic functions, including decreases in synovial influx and lymph node fluid drainage. To establish the causative link between lymphatic remodeling and TMJOA, we performed lymphatic loss- and gain-of-function studies. Lymphatic deficiency exacerbated cartilage defects, bone loss, synovitis, synovial fibrosis, and pain behaviors in TMJOA mice. Conversely, lymphatic activation via a hydrogel-mediated VEGF-C delivery to TMJ reduced TMJ pain, inflammation, and arthritis-like pathogenesis. Therefore, we defined lymphatic structure in TMJ and found that lymphatic dysfunction drives TMJOA pathogenesis and pain, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Project description:Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disorder affecting patient’s quality of life due to joint pain and dysfunction. A comprehensive understanding of cell type diversity and their dynamics of TMJ along joint degeneration and pain is lacking. Here we established an inflammatory TMJOA mouse model via intra-articular injection of CFA (Complete Freund’s Adjuvant). TMJOA mice exhibited OA and orofacial pain, recapitulating hallmark symptoms in patients. We performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of TMJ followed by the validation. We revealed cellular diversity, anatomic position, and cell dynamics of TMJ at single cell resolution along the joint degeneration and pain.
Project description:To investigate the functions of ncRNAs in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, we established temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis model induced by unilateral anterior crossbite. We then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of condylar cartilage at 8 weeks of modeling.
Project description:To investigate the functions of ncRNAs in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, we established temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis model induced by unilateral anterior crossbite. We then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of condylar cartilage at 8 weeks of modeling.
Project description:To investigate differentially expressed miRNAs in synovium of human temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), we performed miRNA high-throughput sequencing in synovium of human TMJOA.
Project description:Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA), a subtype of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), is characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral bone erosion, and chronic pain. Although there has been extensive research on TMJ-OA, its etiology remains unknown. Age, hormonal factors, and excessive mechanical stress on the TMJ are proposed risk factors for TMJ-OA. Using microarrays, we discovered two disease susceptibility genes that have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of TMJ-OA.
Project description:We performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of 2 different cells from post-traumatic temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis model to investigate the signaling pathways critical for cellular functions during temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis pathology.
Project description:Background: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease marked by the progressive degeneration of cartilage and underlying bone, resulting in pain and functional impairment. Despite current conservative treatments such as physical therapy and NSAIDs, the etiology and pathophysiology of TMJOA are unclear, making effective management difficult. Finding reliable biomarkers for early identification and new therapeutic targets is crucial to improve treatment outcomes.
Project description:To investigate differentially expressed lncRNAs,circRNAs,miRNAs and mRNAs in synovium of human temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), we performed RNA high-throughput sequencing in synovium of human TMJOA. We then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq .