Investigating how a brain region affects pain and depression
Official title: Direct lateral habenula projection to a critical pain transmission circuit
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11109645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the brain that helps control both pain and feelings of sadness, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who suffer from chronic pain and depression without relying on traditional pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134981-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109645 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 also experience symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain that is not chronic or those without any comorbid depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the lateral habenula, a brain region, in managing both pain and depression. It aims to identify neural circuits that can be targeted to alleviate not only physical pain but also the emotional distress associated with chronic pain conditions. By studying how specific brain inputs influence pain responses, the research seeks to develop new treatment strategies that could minimize the risks associated with traditional pain medications. The approach involves using animal models to understand the underlying mechanisms of pain and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively manage chronic pain and its emotional impacts without the risks associated with current opioid therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar neural circuits for pain management, indicating that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margolis, Elyssa — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Margolis, Elyssa
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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.