Exploring a new treatment for chronic pain after spinal cord injury
Official title: Regulation of nociceptor excitability by macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a therapeutic strategy for chronic pain treatment after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11029001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MIF affects nerve cells that send pain signals after a spinal cord injury, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who are dealing with chronic pain from these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $341,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140665-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have spinal cord injuries or those whose chronic pain is not related to neuropathic mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) affects nerve cells involved in pain after spinal cord injuries. By studying the mechanisms that lead to chronic pain, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could help alleviate this pain. The approach involves examining how MIF influences the activity of nociceptive sensory neurons, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals. If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain due to spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic pain after spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting MIF in this context is relatively novel, there is growing evidence that similar strategies targeting inflammatory pathways have shown promise in treating chronic pain.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bavencoffe, Alexis Guillaume — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Bavencoffe, Alexis Guillaume
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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.