Amelioration of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis with Wwp2 message RNA therapy

• Project/Area Number: 23K16036
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57040:Regenerative dentistry and dental engineering-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: 周 君 東京医科歯科大学, 生体材料工学研究所, 特任助教 (40846507)
• Project Period (FY): 2023-04-01 – 2026-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2023)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000); Fiscal Year 2024: ¥1,950,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥450,000); Fiscal Year 2023: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000)
• Keywords: mRNA therapy / osteoarthritis / temporomandibular joint

Outline of Research at the Start

In this study, we propose a TMJOA therapy by using circular RNA (circRNA)-loaded polyplex nanomicelles. Wwp2 circRNA will be administered by intra-articular injection into the TMJ, and the therapeutic outcome will be evaluated by monitoring the nociceptive behaviors and level of inflammation. The molecular mechanisms of Wwp2 message RNA(mRNA) therapy will also be elucidated here.