How the body's cannabis-like system controls inflammation and pain
Endocannabinoid Biosynthesis in Inflammation and Pain
Trying a new approach to block an enzyme called DAGLβ to lower inflammation and chronic pain without using opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Texas are exploring how an enzyme called DAGLβ controls the body's endocannabinoid signals that influence inflammation and pain. They use laboratory and animal models to test whether blocking DAGLβ with new drug formulations, including liposomes, changes immune cell activity and kinase signaling at sites of inflammation. The team will map protein and lipid changes (phosphoproteomics, chemoproteomics, lipidomics) to find biomarkers and druggable targets in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The work aims to guide development of targeted, non-opioid pain treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain who are seeking alternatives to opioid treatments would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People whose pain is purely mechanical or unrelated to inflammation, or who need immediate symptom relief, are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to targeted non-opioid pain medicines that reduce inflammation and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work by this team and others showed promising pain relief in animal models with DAGLβ inhibitors, but effectiveness in people has not yet been tested.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Ku-Lung — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Ku-Lung
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.