Investigating how microRNA affects nerve protection to reduce pain from chemotherapy and Alzheimer's.
Official title: microRNA regulation of NMNAT-mediated Neuroprotection against Peripheral Neuropathy and Chronic Pain
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11135937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R33AT010408-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients experiencing neuropathic pain due to chemotherapy and individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy or Alzheimer's-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between microRNA and a protein called NMNAT, which may help protect nerves from damage caused by chemotherapy and Alzheimer's-related conditions. By using a model organism, Drosophila larvae, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The study focuses on how these conditions are linked and seeks to identify potential treatments that could alleviate pain and improve quality of life for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce chronic pain and improve nerve health in patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of peripheral neuropathy and neuroprotection, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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
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.
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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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Novel pain biomarker for neuropathy that could guide therapy
A study to develop and test a biomarker that reflects how well peripherally acting pain medicines work for people with painful peripheral neuropathy.
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Auricular vagus nerve stimulation to help HIV-related nerve pain in older adults
A new, non-invasive brain-nerve stimulation approach is being tested to help older adults living with HIV who have nerve pain.
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Longitudinal study of how body-sense relates to chemotherapy nerve damage
This study follows people with breast or gastrointestinal cancer and healthy controls to see if brain processing of body sensations contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
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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.