How early-life cuts and surgeries change children's pain nerves
Sensitization of developing sensory neurons after incision
['FUNDING_R01'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11334291
This research looks at how early cuts or surgeries can reprogram a child's pain-sensing nerves and immune cells so later injuries might cause more long-lasting pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11334291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining how early-life incisions change peripheral sensory neurons and immune cells (including macrophages and mast cells) to create a lasting pro-inflammatory state. In lab models they will look for molecular "memories" in these cells and nerves, focusing on nerve growth factor signaling through the p75 receptor. The team will test whether disrupting this signaling reduces prolonged pain responses after re-injury. Results could point to treatments that prevent or lessen chronic pain that begins in infancy or childhood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children who had surgeries or significant tissue injuries as infants or young children and who have ongoing or worsened pain after later injuries would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose chronic pain began from causes unrelated to early-life injury (for example, adult-onset degenerative conditions) may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce chronic pain that starts after surgeries or injuries in early life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work showed immune cells can retain an injury 'memory' and that blocking p75 in macrophages reduced prolonged pain, while the idea that mast cells supply lasting NGF is a newer finding.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JANKOWSKI, MICHAEL P — CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- Study coordinator: JANKOWSKI, MICHAEL P
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.