Investigating a protein's role in chronic pain treatment
Official title: Studies on RGS4-Regulated Pathways in Models of Neuropathic Pain
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11067865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called RGS4 affects pain signals in the body, especially for people dealing with chronic pain, to help find better and safer pain relief treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135775-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly those who have not responded well to existing pain medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the protein RGS4 influences pain signaling pathways, particularly in the context of chronic pain. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover how RGS4 affects the body's response to pain and the potential for developing new pain medications. The approach involves manipulating RGS4 levels to observe changes in pain sensitivity and recovery from chronic pain conditions. This could lead to innovative treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for chronic pain that reduce reliance on opioids and improve patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for pain management, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zachariou, Venetia — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Zachariou, Venetia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
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This grant looks at how supportive brain and nerve cells communicate with pain-sensing neurons to understand and reduce chronic nerve pain in people.
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Parmodulins with Low Abuse Potential for Neuropathic Pain
A new class of pain medicines called parmodulins is being studied to help people with nerve-pain pain without high abuse risk.
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.