NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating how a specific enzyme affects chronic pain signaling

Official title: A role for peripheral NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in the control of hyperalgesic priming

Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10784207 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called NAAA might play a role in turning short-term pain into long-lasting pain, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage chronic pain better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project startSeptember 21, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$238,276
NIH project number1K99AT012658-01
Project IDNIH-10784207 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute pain that has not transitioned to a chronic state may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind chronic pain, which affects millions of adults in the U.S. The study specifically examines the role of the enzyme N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA) in the transition from acute to chronic pain. By exploring how NAAA influences pain signaling pathways, the research aims to identify potential new targets for pain management. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to safer and more effective treatments for chronic pain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pain more effectively.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pain mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California-Irvine
    Irvine, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fotio, Yannick — University of California-Irvine
  • Study coordinator: Fotio, Yannick

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.