Brain pathways that amplify long-term pain
Circuitry and Molecular Mechanisms for Descending Pain Facilitation
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11235152
This project looks at specific brainstem cells and molecules that make chronic pain worse to point toward safer, non-opioid treatments for people with long-term pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235152 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying a group of brainstem neurons that send signals down to the spinal cord and seem to drive ongoing pain after nerve injury. Using genetic and viral tools in lab models, they will map the connections of these OPRM+ rostroventral medulla neurons (Aim 1) and profile the molecular changes that keep them active in chronic pain (Aim 2). The team built on preliminary work showing these neurons are required to start and maintain nerve-injury pain and will use cell-specific manipulations and molecular analyses to find points to interrupt that signal. Results are intended to point toward new, non-opioid ways to reduce chronic pain rather than immediate patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic pain, especially ongoing pain following nerve injury, are the main patient group who could benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with short-term acute pain or pain driven primarily by inflammation rather than descending brainstem pathways may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for non-opioid therapies that reduce chronic neuropathic pain with fewer risks than opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show that changing descending brainstem pathways can alter pain levels, but focusing on these specific OPRM+ neurons and their molecular drivers is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, XIAOKE — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHEN, XIAOKE
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.