Finding new ways to reduce the unpleasant feelings of pain
Targeting GPCRs in amygdalar and cortical neural ensembles to treat pain aversion
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain that deal with pain and negative feelings can be used to create safer ways to relieve pain, helping people manage their discomfort better without unwanted side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082539 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits involved in the negative feelings associated with pain can be targeted to develop safer pain relief methods. By studying the amygdala in animal models, researchers aim to identify molecular targets that can alleviate pain without affecting other important functions like breathing or reward. The approach combines advanced imaging techniques and genetic tools to manipulate neural activity and observe the effects on pain-related behaviors. This could lead to new treatments that help patients manage pain more effectively and with fewer side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions that also experience significant emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those whose pain is not associated with negative emotional responses may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new pain relief therapies that minimize the unpleasant emotional aspects of pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific neural circuits for pain management, indicating that this approach could be a viable avenue for developing new treatments.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scherrer, Gregory — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Scherrer, Gregory
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 below.