Investigating how nerve and glial cell interactions contribute to pelvic pain
Official title: Role of neuron-satellite glia cell signaling in pelvic pain and visceral cross-sensitization
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10932346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the nervous system interact with each other to help us understand why some people experience ongoing pelvic pain, like in conditions such as interstitial cystitis or irritable bowel syndrome, with the hope of finding better ways to treat this pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $675,206 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138832-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932346 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 diagnosed with IC/BPS or IBS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pelvic pain or those without a diagnosis of IC/BPS or IBS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between sensory neurons and satellite glial cells in the dorsal root ganglia, which are critical for understanding chronic pelvic pain conditions like interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By examining how these cells communicate and influence each other, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to the persistence of pain in affected individuals. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze cellular signaling and its impact on pain perception, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets for managing these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate chronic pelvic pain for millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding neuron-glial interactions can significantly impact pain management, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie
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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.