Investigating a brain pathway to treat chronic pain
Targeting the Mesocortical Glutamatergic Pathway for Chronic Pain Treatment
['FUNDING_R21'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11056287
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps control pain works when someone has chronic pain, and it aims to find new ways to help people feel better by fixing how this brain area functions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11056287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific brain pathway, known as the mesocortical pathway, is involved in chronic pain conditions. By examining the role of glutamate signaling in this pathway, the researchers aim to identify how nerve injuries affect pain perception. They will use advanced techniques such as in vivo imaging and gene editing to explore changes in brain activity related to pain. The goal is to find new ways to alleviate chronic pain by restoring normal brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, particularly those with a history of nerve injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for chronic pain that target specific brain pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting brain pathways for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YANG, GUANG — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: YANG, GUANG
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.