Calcium channels in nerves that shape pain and touch
Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Nociceptors and Mechanoreceptors
This work looks at how tiny calcium channels in sensory nerve cells change after injury and may cause long-lasting pain for people with chronic neuropathic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers focus on specific voltage-gated calcium channels in sensory neurons that control release of pain-signaling chemicals like glutamate and substance P. Using molecular and cellular experiments and nerve injury models, the team studies a key gene (Cacna1) and related proteins to see how channel function changes when pain becomes chronic. The goal is to map the cellular and molecular steps that keep nociceptors overly sensitive so these points can be targeted by future therapies. Findings are meant to guide new, more precise approaches to reduce persistent pain from nerve injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic pain or persistent pain following peripheral nerve injury would be the most relevant patients for eventual trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is purely due to non-neuropathic causes (for example some inflammatory or centralized pain conditions without peripheral nerve sensitization) may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for drugs or therapies that reduce chronic neuropathic pain by normalizing calcium-channel activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous drug approaches targeting calcium-channel components (for example N-type blockers or alpha2-delta ligands) have shown that calcium-channel modulation can relieve pain, but existing options have limitations that this work aims to address.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lipscombe, Diane — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Lipscombe, Diane
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.