How brain surface cells may trigger migraine pain
Official title: Cortical-Meningeal Interactions Underlying Migraine Headache
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11001164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $466,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS115972-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with migraine (with or without aura) would be the most relevant group for this research.
✕Less likely to help
People under 21 or those with other types of headache disorders may not be directly helped by this specific research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levy, Dan — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Levy, Dan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Meningeal nerve signals and immune cells in migraine pain
This NIH grant explores how nerve signals in the brain’s meninges interact with immune cells to trigger migraine pain, with results aimed at improving treatments for people who experience migraines.
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Understanding how brain and protective membranes interact during migraine headaches
This study is looking at how the brain and its protective layers work together during migraine headaches to help find new ways to relieve the pain for people who suffer from them.
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Deep learning approach to diagnosing chronic headaches and facial pain
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Oxytocin as a potential migraine fighter for people with aura
A scientist-led study at a major hospital tests whether the brain chemical oxytocin can help stop or prevent migraine attacks that involve aura.
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Meningeal pain and migraine brain hyperexcitability in people
A short study in adults with migraine to understand how pain signals from the brain coverings might make the visual cortex more excitable and trigger migraines.
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Light exposure and sleep in teens with migraine
Teens with migraine and light sensitivity will wear sensors to track daily light and sleep, helping researchers understand how light exposure affects symptoms and nighttime rest.
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.