Brain cell networks that make pain become chronic
Investigation of neural ensembles driving pain chronification
This project looks at groups of brain cells that may cause the emotional suffering that makes short-term pain turn into long-lasting chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone with pain, researchers are mapping which neurons in the basolateral amygdala and connected brain areas drive the unpleasant, emotional side of pain. They will combine detailed gene-expression profiles, whole-brain circuit tracing, and precision chemogenetic control in lab models while measuring behavior tied to pain-related suffering. The team aims to identify specific neural ensembles that cause the shift from acute to persistent pain and test whether turning those cells on or off changes pain-related behaviors. Findings are intended to point toward brain-based targets for reducing the emotional burden of chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with persistent chronic pain that includes strong emotional distress or loss of motivation are the most likely long-term beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is purely sensory without an emotional or motivational component, or whose condition is unrelated to affective brain circuits, may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new brain-targeted approaches to reduce the emotional suffering of chronic pain and help prevent acute pain from becoming chronic.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked amygdala neurons to pain-related affect, but integrating whole-brain mapping, transcriptomics, and precision chemogenetic control at this systems level is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beier, Kevin T — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Beier, Kevin T
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.