Astrocyte Calcium Signaling in Chronic Pain (human-focused research)
Official title: Astrocyte Calcium Signaling in Chronic Pain.
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11375516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is studying how calcium signaling in brain cells called astrocytes affects the development of chronic pain after nerve injury, with the goal of finding new non-addictive pain treatments for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $372,880 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS145076-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with a history of acute nerve injury who may develop chronic pain in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without nerve injury–related pain or those not likely to progress to chronic pain may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how astrocyte calcium signals contribute to the transition from acute nerve injury to chronic pain. Using genetic tools in a Drosophila model, the study aims to identify calcium signaling pathways in astrocytes that are necessary for chronic pain to develop. The findings could point to new targets for medications that relieve pain without addiction. Results from this work may inform future human studies and guide development of novel therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new non-addictive therapies for chronic pain in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests astrocyte calcium signaling plays a role in pain, but this approach using genetic tools in a model organism aims to translate findings toward human targets.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smyth, Jeremy Thomas — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Smyth, Jeremy Thomas
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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.