Investigating how brain pathways affect the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Official title: Arlene George F32
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10993581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain changes when pain goes from being short-term to long-lasting, with the hope of finding better ways to help people who suffer from chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS132956-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain lasting more than three months.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain that has not transitioned to chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms in the brain that contribute to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain, which affects over 50 million Americans. It examines the role of the striatum, a brain region involved in movement and pain processing, and how its interactions with other brain areas influence pain perception and behavior. By studying these pathways, the research aims to identify potential new therapeutic targets for chronic pain management. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for chronic pain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pain, improving quality of life for millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to pain, but this specific approach to studying the transition from acute to chronic pain is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Arlene Joann — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: George, Arlene Joann
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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.