How receptors inside spinal nerve cells keep itch going
Mechanisms of Endosomal Signaling of Itch
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-11235936
This project looks at whether blocking signals from receptors inside spinal nerve cells can reduce prolonged or severe itch.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235936 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study two spinal receptors (GRPR and NK1R) to see how they keep sending itch signals from inside cells. They will use mouse models to measure nerve-cell activity and scratching behavior while testing drugs that block internal receptor signaling and nanoparticles that target those receptors. The team will examine how stopping endosomal signaling affects prolonged nerve hyperactivity and scratching. The work aims to identify new ways to interrupt the pathways that make itch persist.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic, severe, or treatment-resistant itch (for example from eczema, liver or kidney disease, or unexplained chronic pruritus) would be the likely candidates for therapies arising from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose itching is caused only by surface skin damage, localized infections, or non-neural mechanisms may not benefit from treatments that target spinal receptor signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce chronic itch by blocking internal receptor signals in spinal nerves.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking endosomal GPCR signaling has shown promise in laboratory and animal studies in related pain and signaling research, but applying this approach specifically to spinal itch is novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JENSEN, DANE D — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JENSEN, DANE D
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.