Investigating how gut bacteria affect pain in sickle cell disease
Official title: Sickle cell disease gut dysbiosis effects on CNS pain processing
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11017731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the health of gut bacteria might affect how people with sickle cell disease feel and process pain, with the goal of finding new ways to help manage that pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL155791-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease and experience acute or chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut microbiome health and pain processing in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It aims to understand how changes in gut bacteria may influence brain activity related to pain, particularly in the central nucleus of the amygdala, which is involved in pain perception and emotional responses. By studying both human patients and mouse models, the research seeks to identify specific factors that exacerbate pain in SCD and to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve pain management. The approach includes manipulating gut microbiome composition to observe its effects on pain-related behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for managing pain in sickle cell disease, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking gut microbiome health to pain processing in SCD is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that gut health can influence pain perception in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sadler, Katelyn — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Sadler, Katelyn
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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.