Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
About This Grant
SUMMARY Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by degeneration of the condylar cartilage. No effective therapies exist for restoring the damaged cartilage to accommodate pediatric patients' craniomaxillofacial growth. Regenerative therapies are needed to repair TMJ cartilage. Microfracture is a technique where perforations are created through the subchondral bone to allow for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infiltration to create fibrocartilaginous repair tissue. However, MSCs are difficult to localize to the damaged area without a scaffold, and their phenotype is prone to calcification. Matrix-autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is the most effective knee repair approach, where autologous knee chondrocytes are seeded on a collagen scaffold and then implanted in the defect. However, MACI is costly, requires two invasive procedures, and may not be applicable to the narrow TMJ for chondrocyte extraction. Additionally, the collagenous scaffolds that are used for knee repairs do not recapitulate the native TMJ extracellular matrix environment. The objectives of this F32 training grant are to develop regenerative approaches to heal damaged TMJ cartilage for pediatric patients and train me in these approaches to complement my tissue engineering background. Using fibro-elastic cartilage of porcine meniscus, we will use our Meniscal Decellularized (MEND) scaffold to help localize and inform progenitor cells, such as ear cartilage progenitor cells (eCPCs) or MSCs. We hypothesize that regenerative therapy adapting microfracture and MACI/matrix-induced chondrogenesis can be used to repair the damaged TMJ condylar cartilage. We will first compare the in vitro chondrogenic potential and phenotypic stability of eCPCs and MSCs in MEND. Outcomes will include biochemical assays, mechanical testing, immunohistochemistry, histology, and gene expression. Then, to assess in vivo phenotypic stability of the constructs, we will subcutaneously implant cell-seeded MEND in immunocompromised mice and analyze outcomes via biochemical assays, immunohistochemistry, histology, and gene expression. Next, we will compare the repair of adapted microfracture (simulated by an MSC injection) and MACI (simulated by empty or eCPC MEND) for porcine and human TMJ condylar cartilage regeneration in vivo using the semi-orthotopic mouse model and analyze outcomes via biochemical assays, immunohistochemistry, histology, and gene expression. These studies will uncover whether microfracture regenerates TMJ condylar cartilage and if a scaffold, potentially cellular, is needed to improve condylar regeneration. Results will inform development of regenerative therapies for degenerated TMJ condylar cartilage and produce preliminary data for a K99 application to support my training as an independent researcher in the TMJ oral and craniofacial research field.
Grant Summary
Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis is a NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grant providing up to $79K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2027-01-15 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $79K
2027-01-15
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis from NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research before the deadline.
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Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis?
Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis is offered by NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis provide?
Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis provides up to $79K per award from NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis deadline?
Applications for Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis are due 2027-01-15 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis?
To apply for Microfracture-based Repair for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.