Investigating how aging affects chronic pain through senescent neurons
Official title: Validation of neuronal senescence as a target for chronic pain in aging
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10941246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older might be linked to ongoing pain, especially for people over 65, by exploring how certain aging cells in the body could be affecting the way pain signals are sent in the nervous system, with hopes of finding new ways to help manage chronic pain in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,249,392 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG088052-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who suffer from chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between aging and chronic pain, particularly in individuals over 65 years old. It aims to explore how senescent cells, which accumulate with age, may contribute to persistent pain by affecting the nervous system. Using aged animal models, the study will investigate the mechanisms by which these senescent neurons influence pain pathways, particularly through the secretion of inflammatory factors. The findings could lead to new treatment targets for managing chronic pain in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that alleviate chronic pain in older adults by targeting senescent neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting senescent neurons in chronic pain is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the role of senescence in various age-related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tawfik, Vivianne L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Tawfik, Vivianne L
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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.