Translating Mechanisms Orofacial Neurological D... «HOT · 2024»

: Investigating the trigeminal circuits responsible for complex motor patterns like chewing and swallowing. Clinically, these findings apply to disorders like dysphagia, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.

The goal of this research is to turn laboratory discoveries into better patient care through: Translating Mechanisms of Orofacial Neurological Disorder Translating Mechanisms Orofacial Neurological D...

Translating the mechanisms of orofacial neurological disorders involves a complex, interdisciplinary effort to bridge the gap between basic cellular neuroscience and clinical treatment . These disorders, which affect the regions of the face, mouth, and jaws, impact essential functions such as chewing, swallowing, and speech, as well as complex behaviors like verbal and non-verbal communication. Core Research Areas These disorders, which affect the regions of the

: A growing focus on how non-neuronal cells—such as satellite glial cells and macrophages in the trigeminal ganglion—regulate neuronal excitability and contribute to neuropathic pain. including ion channels and metabolic regulators

: Research into the transition from acute to chronic pain, driven by peripheral and central sensitization . This includes studying "maladaptive plasticity" within the trigeminal system, where persistent signals lead to chronic conditions like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) .

: Utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and in vivo imaging to identify novel molecular targets, including ion channels and metabolic regulators, for more precise therapies. Translational Strategies

The field focuses on several critical neurological and physiological mechanisms: