Investigating how gut bacteria affect pain sensitivity after early morphine exposure
Official title: Role of the gut microbiome in prolonged pain hypersensitivity following neonatal morphine exposure
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10900887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to morphine as a newborn might change how sensitive someone is to pain later in life, especially by looking at the role of gut bacteria, and it aims to find new ways to help manage pain for those who experienced this early exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA059204-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced neonatal morphine exposure and are currently dealing with prolonged pain sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to morphine during neonatal development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how exposure to morphine during neonatal development can lead to long-lasting changes in pain sensitivity, particularly focusing on the gut microbiome's role. Using a murine model, the study examines how alterations in gut bacteria may contribute to persistent pain hypersensitivity through mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. The researchers will employ techniques like Fecal Microbial Transplantation to understand the causal relationship between gut microbiome changes and pain sensitivity. This investigation aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for managing pain in individuals with a history of neonatal morphine exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for managing chronic pain in individuals affected by early morphine exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on gut microbiome alterations due to neonatal morphine exposure is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis and its impact on pain.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antoine, Danielle — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Antoine, Danielle
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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.