How bladder support cells control the lining and bladder pain
Official title: Signal integration by specialized mesenchyme in urothelial homeostasis and Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11378890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring whether special support cells in the bladder control nerve overgrowth and damage to the bladder lining in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,192,041 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK134989-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), especially those with frequent flare-ups or Hunner’s lesions, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People whose pelvic pain comes from non-bladder causes or who do not have IC/BPS-related urothelial or nerve changes may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify a specific group of bladder mesenchyme (support) cells that help regulate both nerve supply and the protective urothelial lining. They will study the signals these cells send and how those signals affect nerve growth and the bladder barrier. The work connects these cell behaviors to features of IC/BPS such as increased sensitivity, frequent flare-ups, and the severe loss of the urothelial barrier seen in cases with Hunner’s lesions. Findings are intended to point toward ways to prevent nerve overgrowth or restore the bladder lining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce bladder pain and urgency by preventing nerve overgrowth or repairing the bladder lining.
How similar studies have gone: Single-cell and mouse studies have successfully identified key cell types and signals in other organs, but applying this cell-type and signaling approach specifically to IC/BPS is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beachy, Philip a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Beachy, Philip a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding spinal cord cell roles in bladder pain and function
A study to map which spinal cord cells process bladder sensations and how they contribute to bladder pain and voiding problems in IC/BPS.
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Personalized treatments for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis)
A treatment approach aiming at the underlying causes of bladder pain for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
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Spinal cord cell types that drive bladder pain in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS)
Researchers will use precise lab tools to find which spinal cord cells cause bladder pain and troublesome urination in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Understanding and treating bladder pain syndrome
This study is looking at interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to find out more about different types of patients based on their symptoms, so we can create better, personalized treatments that really help with their pain and urinary issues.
-
Understanding how spinal cord cells affect bladder pain and function
This study is looking at how different types of cells in the spinal cord help process bladder pain and function in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, with the hope of finding better treatments for those who suffer from this condition.
-
Improving brain and muscle activity to reduce pain in women with bladder pain syndrome
This study is looking at how brain activity affects chronic pain in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome and will use a special treatment called rTMS to see if it can help improve brain and pelvic muscle function to reduce pain.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.