Creating special mice to study pain-sensing nerve cells
Official title: Generating NTRK3-FlpO Mice for Genetically Intersecting A-beta Nociceptors
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11116602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special mice to help scientists learn more about a type of nerve cell that helps us feel pain, so they can find better ways to understand and treat pain in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $446,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142656-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from acute pain or conditions related to pain sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions that do not involve Aβ nociceptors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on generating a new line of genetically modified mice that will allow scientists to study a specific type of pain-sensing nerve cells known as Aβ nociceptors. These cells play a crucial role in how we perceive pain, and the research aims to use advanced genetic techniques to manipulate and observe these cells in action. By understanding how these neurons function, researchers hope to uncover new insights into pain mechanisms and potential treatments. The study will involve creating these mice using CRISPR technology and characterizing their genetic properties.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating acute pain and conditions related to pain perception.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using intersectional genetic mapping is established, the specific focus on Aβ nociceptors in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Wenqin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Luo, Wenqin
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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.