How nerve connections form to process touch and pain
Synaptic mechanisms of somatosensory circuit assembly
This work looks at molecules that help spinal cord nerve cells form connections so touch and pain signals are handled better for people with chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241148 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the team is studying the molecules that help sensory nerves stick together and make connections in the spinal cord. In lab dishes they will test how these molecules make synapses form, and in animal models they will remove or restore the genes to see what changes. They will map sensory pathways with viral tracing, record circuit activity using light-based methods, and measure pain-related behaviors to link molecules to function. The aim is to understand how miswired connections may cause pain so future treatments can target those mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients now, but its findings are most relevant to people living with chronic or neuropathic pain.
Not a fit: People without chronic pain or whose symptoms arise from purely psychological or non-nociceptive causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new non-opioid targets that fix or prevent faulty nerve connections underlying chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have shown adhesion molecules shape synapses in animal models, but translating those findings into human pain treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Copits, Bryan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Copits, Bryan
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.