Epigenetic drivers of chronic low back pain
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11418084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how DNA methylation might influence disc-related back pain and potential new ways to treat it beyond opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,114 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic low back pain, especially those with disc-related degeneration, may be eligible for future studies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without discogenic back pain or not involved in epigenetic research may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project explores how changes in DNA methylation may affect the genes involved in disc degeneration that cause chronic low back pain. Researchers will study human tissue signals and animal models to map how epigenetic changes relate to pain and disability. The goal is to identify new targets for treatments that could reduce pain and opioid use, improving function and quality of life. If successful, this work could lead to personalized approaches based on a patient’s epigenetic profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to new, non-opioid treatments that target the underlying biology of disc-related back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports epigenetic links to chronic pain, but this project aims to clarify methylation’s role in disc degeneration specifically.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Laura S — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Stone, Laura S
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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.