Investigating how human sensory neurons respond to pain and inflammation
Official title: Proteomic and functional profiling of peripheral sensitization in human pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons
Funded at U.s. National Eye Institute · NIH-10939367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells that sense pain become more sensitive during inflammation, which can cause ongoing pain, and it's designed for people who want to understand why their pain might be getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Eye Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM154677-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions related to inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain not related to chronic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specialized sensory neurons, called nociceptors, become more excitable during inflammation, which can lead to chronic pain. By using human pluripotent stem cells to create these sensory neurons, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of peripheral sensitization. The study employs advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and proteomic profiling to analyze changes in the neurons' behavior and protein expression. This approach could provide insights into how pain signals are amplified in humans compared to animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain by targeting the mechanisms of peripheral sensitization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using stem cell-derived neurons to study pain mechanisms, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Eye Institute
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castellano, David Deasis — U.s. National Eye Institute
- Study coordinator: Castellano, David Deasis
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.