Exploring how specific proteins affect pain sensitivity in fruit flies.
Official title: Investigation of Armadillo/ß-catenin Mechanisms Influencing Nociceptive Sensitivity in Drosophila
Funded at University of New England · NIH-10653377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein in fruit flies affects their response to pain, and by understanding this, researchers hope to find new ways to help people who experience unusual pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $426,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS131952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who are seeking alternative pain management options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not respond to genetic-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which a protein called Armadillo, related to ß-catenin, influences how fruit flies respond to painful stimuli. By using genetic techniques, the researchers will manipulate the expression of this protein in specific nerve cells of the flies to observe changes in their pain sensitivity. The findings aim to uncover new targets for pain medications that could lead to better treatments for abnormal pain in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective pain management therapies with fewer side effects than current opioid treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using genetic models like Drosophila to identify pain mechanisms, suggesting this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganter, Geoffrey — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Ganter, Geoffrey
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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.