Investigating how gut bacteria affect pelvic pain through immune cells
Official title: TLR Transduction of Dysbiotic Pelvic Pain
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10911276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect chronic pelvic pain by seeing how certain immune cells in the brain react to changes in those bacteria, using mice to help us understand this connection better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $618,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134817-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pelvic pain, particularly those with dysbiosis or imbalances in their gut microbiota.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pelvic pain not related to microbiota or immune system responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between gut microbiota and chronic pelvic pain, a condition affecting many individuals. It explores how immune cells in the central nervous system, specifically microglia, respond to changes in gut bacteria and how this may influence pain perception. The study will utilize mouse models that mimic different causes of pelvic pain to evaluate the role of microglia and specific receptors in mediating pain responses. By examining these interactions, the research aims to uncover new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying pelvic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pelvic pain by targeting the gut microbiome and immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking gut microbiota and pelvic pain through microglial responses is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in pain modulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klumpp, David J — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Klumpp, David J
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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.