Blocking PNPase to relieve chronic bladder pain
PNPase inhibition as an effective treatment for chronic bladder pain
This project explores whether blocking the enzyme PNPase can reduce long-term bladder pain and painful flares in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11369561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how chronic stress and oxidative damage worsen interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) using laboratory experiments and animal models that mimic pain flares. They are focusing on an enzyme called PNPase and testing whether inhibiting it lowers oxidative stress markers and pain signaling. The team hopes to identify a drug target that could prevent or reduce daily pain and urinary frequency. Although the current work is preclinical, the findings could guide the design of future human trials and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who have chronic bladder pain and frequent stress-triggered flares would be the most likely candidates for related future treatments or trials.
Not a fit: People whose bladder symptoms are caused by clearly identifiable problems such as ongoing infection, bladder cancer, or certain neurological bladder disorders may not benefit from a PNPase-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a new drug approach that reduces pain flares and urinary symptoms for people with IC/BPS.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively novel approach—current treatments for IC/BPS have limited effectiveness, and PNPase inhibition has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Birder, Lori a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Birder, Lori a
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 below.