Human peripheral nerve map to uncover pain-related genes and cells
Multi-omics peripheral nerve atlas enables fine-mapping of pain molecular phenotypes
This project will create a detailed map of cells and genes in human peripheral nerves to help people with chronic painful neuropathy find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193858 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will collect genetic data and nerve-related tissue or sample information from people with idiopathic painful neuropathy and apply single-nucleus RNA sequencing plus other molecular 'omics' to profile individual cell types. They will map neuron, glia, and immune cell gene activity and study how these cells interact with sensory axons in painful nerves. Patient genomes will be analyzed alongside the molecular atlas to pinpoint genes linked to human pain pathways. Results will be compared to existing mouse nerve atlases to highlight human-specific targets and create a searchable multi-layered resource.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with chronic idiopathic painful neuropathy who can share clinical information and provide genetic samples or other biospecimens as requested.
Not a fit: People with pain driven primarily by central nervous system causes, acute pain, or those unable or unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets and pathways that lead to more effective, non-opioid treatments for neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and single-nucleus atlases in mice and some human tissues have successfully identified disease-associated cells and genes, but a comprehensive human peripheral nerve atlas focused on pain is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milbrandt, Jeffrey D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Milbrandt, Jeffrey 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.