Exploring a new target for treating pain
Official title: Sigma 2 Receptor (TMEM97): Investigating the Peripheral Role of this Novel Therapeutic Target for Pain
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11010871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with both sudden and long-lasting pain by exploring a special receptor in the body that could lead to safer treatments than current opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,600 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS129269-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic or acute pain who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience pain or have conditions unrelated to pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Sigma 2 receptor (TMEM97) as a potential new target for treating both acute and chronic pain. The study aims to understand how this receptor functions in the body, particularly in relation to pain processing, by examining its cellular properties and the effects of specific ligands that interact with it. By using animal models, the research will explore how manipulating this receptor can alleviate pain without the high risks associated with current opioid treatments. The findings could lead to the development of safer pain management therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, safer treatments for managing pain that minimize the risk of abuse and side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using the Sigma 2 receptor as a target for pain relief, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Veronica Minsu — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Hong, Veronica Minsu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Profilin as a Target to Normalize Tumor Vessels in Kidney Cancer
A new approach aims to curb blood vessel growth in a common kidney cancer by targeting a protein called Profilin 1 to improve how blood vessels form in tumors.
-
Ultrafast debinding for chairside 3D-printed zirconia dental restorations
A new ultrafast debinding method aims to dramatically shorten how quickly chairside 3D-printed zirconia dental crowns can be made.
-
Adolescents learning about themselves through friends and how it links to mood
A study with teens will test how feedback from close friends and strangers shapes their self-views and mood, using brain and behavior measurements.
-
Bilingual children with developmental language disorder: how two languages shape brain development
A study with bilingual kids who have developmental language disorder to see how knowing two languages affects their brain and language skills.
-
BET inhibitors as a potential therapy for solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)
Aimed at adults with solitary fibrous tumor, this grant explores BET inhibitors to block tumor-driving gene activity.
-
Estrogen, puberty, and early signs of psychosis in teens
This grant looks at how rising estrogen during puberty in girls may influence early brain changes and psychotic-like experiences as kids become teens.
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.