Investigating how microRNA affects nerve protection to reduce pain from chemotherapy
Official title: microRNA regulation of NMNAT-mediated Neuroprotection against Peripheral Neuropathy and Chronic Pain
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11105365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules called microRNAs can help a protein that protects nerves from damage caused by chemotherapy, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who experience nerve pain after cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $539,953 |
| NIH project number | 7R33AT010408-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105365 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing neuropathic symptoms due to chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy or chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how microRNA regulates a protein called NMNAT, which may help protect nerves from damage caused by chemotherapy. By using a model organism, Drosophila larvae, the researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms behind chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and chronic pain. The study seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to effective treatments for patients suffering from neuropathic pain after cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate neuropathic pain in cancer patients, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroprotective mechanisms, but this specific approach using microRNA regulation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhai, Rong Grace — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhai, Rong Grace
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating how microRNA affects nerve protection to reduce pain from chemotherapy and Alzheimer's.
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule and a specific protein might help protect nerves from damage caused by chemotherapy and Alzheimer's, using fruit fly larvae to learn more about nerve pain and find new ways to help people feel better.
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Non-invasive, microscopic biomarkers to detect CIPN in chemotherapy patients
This grant aims to develop a non-invasive imaging method to measure nerve changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy to better understand and monitor chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
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Understanding how early nerve excitement during chemotherapy leads to painful nerve damage
A cancer treatment study looks at why the nerve pain some patients get after paclitaxel may develop, by studying how nerves react during the infusion.
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.