How brain surface cells may trigger migraine pain
Cortical-Meningeal Interactions Underlying Migraine Headache
Sees if overactive brain surface cells release chemicals that wake up pain nerves and cause migraine in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how the brain's cortex and its coverings (the meninges) interact during a migraine from a patient's perspective. Researchers use high-resolution imaging, molecular and genetic tools, and animal models to watch cortical astrocytes and the signals they release. They focus on GPCR-linked astrocyte signaling and whether those signals travel to meningeal pain nerves and activate the trigeminal pain pathway. Results are intended to point toward ways to block those signals and reduce headache pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with migraine (with or without aura) would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People under 21 or those with other types of headache disorders may not be directly helped by this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new drug targets that prevent or reduce migraine pain by stopping astrocyte-driven activation of meningeal pain nerves.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link cortical spreading depression and cortical hyperexcitability to meningeal pain, but targeting astrocyte GPCR signaling as a driver of headache is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levy, Dan — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Levy, Dan
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.