Armadillo/b-Catenin mechanisms in fruit-fly pain signaling
Official title: Investigation of Armadillo/B-catenin mechanisms influencing nociceptive sensitivity in Drosophila
Funded at University of New England · NIH-11361204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how a gene similar to human beta-catenin in fruit flies affects how they feel and respond to painful stimuli.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15NS131952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361204 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic pain or pain sensitivity issues could benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are unlikely for healthy individuals without pain conditions.
What this research studies
This project uses fruit fly larvae to uncover genetic factors that modulate pain sensitivity, focusing on the Armadillo/beta-catenin pathway. By turning specific genes on or off in pain-sensing neurons, scientists will observe changes in responses to heat and touch. The work leverages established nerve-cell targeting tools and pain assays to connect basic biology to potential human pain mechanisms. Results could point to new targets for safer pain medicines in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to new approaches for designing pain medications with fewer side effects in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in Drosophila has identified conserved pain pathways that resemble mammalian systems, showing promise for translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganter, Geoffrey — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Ganter, Geoffrey
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.