Investigating a new brain circuit to help manage trigeminal neuropathic pain
Targeting a novel neural circuit to modulate trigeminal neuropathic pain
This study is looking at how certain brain cells might affect trigeminal neuropathic pain, which can be tough to manage, to help find new ways to ease the pain for people dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10691476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a specific neural circuit in the brain that may play a crucial role in trigeminal neuropathic pain, a condition that is often difficult to treat with existing therapies. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including targeted recombination in active populations (TRAP) and optogenetics, to explore how certain neurons in the anterior paraventricular thalamic nucleus (aPVT) interact with other brain regions to influence pain perception. By manipulating this neural pathway, the goal is to find new ways to alleviate pain for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from trigeminal neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not found relief with current pain management strategies.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of pain not related to the trigeminal nerve may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly reduce trigeminal neuropathic pain for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting the aPVT-ACC pathway is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding and treating neuropathic pain through neural circuit modulation.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Sufang — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liu, Sufang
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.