Creating advanced stem cell models to study pain circuits in humans
Official title: Developing Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Tools for Region-Specific Pain Circuits
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-10844852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to grow human cells in the lab to help us understand how pain works in different parts of the body, which could lead to better treatments for managing pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,370,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2NS140734-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who may benefit from new pain management therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing chronic pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop innovative human pluripotent stem cell tools to better understand pain circuits specific to different regions of the body. By creating three-dimensional models that incorporate various cell types involved in pain perception, the project seeks to overcome limitations of traditional animal models. The approach includes generating specific sensory neurons and glial cells, as well as organoids that replicate the natural environment of pain signaling pathways. This could lead to more effective drug development for pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for pain management in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell models for studying pain, but this approach aims to enhance specificity and effectiveness, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iyer, Nisha — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Iyer, Nisha
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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.