p75(NTR) orchestrates chondrogenesis and mechanoadaptation to preserve temporomandibular joint development and homeostasis.

Loss of p75 NTR causes hypoplasia, reduced chondrocyte number, and accelerated degeneration in the mandibular condylar cartilage.

• Why it matters: Temporomandibular disorders impair essential oral functions and lack effective therapies, making understanding TMJ development and maintenance crucial for potential treatments.
• What they did: The study used conditional deletion experiments to show that p75 NTR regulates chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and load-induced anabolic responses through BDNF-p75 NTR signaling pathways involving PI3K-AKT and p38 MAPK.
• The result: Findings suggest that p75 NTR is a key molecular hub for TMJ homeostasis, and targeting the BDNF-p75 NTR axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for temporomandibular disorders.