Investigating how bladder pain may be linked to nerve pain in the skin.
Official title: Receptor-mediated dysfunction of satellite glia and uninjured sensory neurons as a novel link between referred neuropathic pain and bladder disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11063247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bladder pain might be linked to pain felt in the skin, especially for people with bladder issues, to find new ways to help manage that pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 26, 2023 |
| Project end | April 25, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,024 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK135392-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing bladder pain, particularly those with symptoms of referred pain in the skin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without bladder disease or those not experiencing any form of neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between bladder pain and referred pain from uninjured sensory neurons in the skin. It aims to understand how interactions between bladder and skin nerves contribute to pain experiences, particularly in patients with bladder disease. By studying the changes in nerve cells and their surrounding support cells after injury, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better pain management strategies. The approach includes using animal models to mimic human pain experiences and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from bladder pain and related neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that understanding nerve interactions can lead to breakthroughs in pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tran, Emily L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Tran, Emily 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.