How TIMP-1 affects nerve damage and long-term pain after limb injuries
Pathogenesis of Nerve Injury: Role of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1
This work looks at whether the protein TIMP-1 helps injured peripheral nerves heal and reduces chronic neuropathic pain, and whether those effects differ between men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11206892 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have chronic nerve pain after a limb injury, this research focuses on a protein called TIMP-1 that may help nerves regrow and lower pain. The team uses molecular tools (including engineered TIMP-1 constructs, extracellular vesicles enriched with TIMP-1, and CRISPR activation) plus sequencing and mass spectrometry to study TIMP-1 forms and how they move between cells. They are also looking at sex-dependent differences in TIMP-1 activity and how TIMP-1 associates with proteins that package signals into vesicles. Findings come from lab and translational experiments aimed at understanding mechanisms that could guide new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with peripheral nerve injuries or persistent neuropathic pain following limb trauma (including combat-related wounds) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose pain is not caused by peripheral nerve injury (for example, purely central pain syndromes or non-neuropathic musculoskeletal pain) are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that improve nerve regeneration and reduce long-lasting neuropathic pain after limb injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work has shown that TIMP-1 and synthetic MMP inhibitors can promote nerve repair and reduce pain, but the focus on sex-dependent TIMP-1 isoforms and extracellular vesicle transport is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shubayev, Veronica — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Shubayev, Veronica
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.