Identifying genetic factors that influence chronic pain after surgery
Official title: Genetic Markers of Chronic Postsurgical Pain
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11057685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your genes might help predict if you'll experience long-lasting pain after surgery, and it's for anyone who is about to have an operation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,126 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR082454-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled to undergo surgical procedures who are willing to participate in genetic testing and pain assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with pre-existing chronic pain conditions unrelated to surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations may predict the likelihood of developing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in patients who undergo surgery. By analyzing a large cohort of over 3400 patients, the study aims to identify specific genetic markers associated with severe postoperative pain and the potential for chronic pain development. The approach includes genomic sequencing and self-reported pain assessments before and after surgery, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the genetic factors involved. This could lead to more personalized pain management strategies tailored to individual genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that are customized based on a patient's genetic makeup, potentially reducing the incidence of chronic pain after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in identifying genetic predictors of pain, but this research aims to utilize a larger and more diverse cohort, making it a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frangakis, Stephan — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Frangakis, Stephan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Expanding genetic testing for cancer risk in patients and families
This study is working to make it easier for cancer patients in Michigan to get genetic testing for cancer risk by improving how doctors gather family history and assess genetic risks, so that more people can receive the important evaluations they need.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Why the retina can sometimes heal itself and how we might help it heal
This NIH grant explores how inflammation and neural cells interact in the zebrafish retina to understand retinal neuron death and regeneration, with potential implications for human vision.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Understanding how work exposures and genes influence ALS risk
A study is building a long-term group of people at higher risk for ALS to see how their jobs, exposures at work, and genes together affect if and when the disease might develop.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
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.