Local and Systemic Multi-omics of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

TMJDs that include degenerative joint disease, joint dysfunction and arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are part of a constellation called temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) that afflict 5 to 10% of the US population. A significant proportion of TMJD patients have comorbid conditions such as fibromyalgia. These two distinct patient cohorts (isolated local disease vs. part of a more global systemic disorder) point to unique and complex interactions of systemic and local factors. However, we do not yet understand the initiating events of TMJDs or the downstream consequences that contribute to symptoms within related (e.g., TMJ) or unrelated systems (e.g., comorbidities such as widespread pain in fibromyalgia). Due to lack of understanding of the biological underpinnings of... (for more see dbGaP study page.)