Investigating how NR4A1 helps the body resolve pain
Official title: Cellular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of NR4A1 in Pain Resolution
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10851275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called NR4A1 helps the body heal and feel less pain after surgery, with the hope that it can lead to safer ways to manage chronic pain without relying on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,103,564 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS136108-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain, especially following surgical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain not related to chronic conditions or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a specific protein, NR4A1, in helping the body naturally resolve pain, particularly after surgery. The researchers believe that understanding how NR4A1 functions in immune cells can lead to new, safer treatments for chronic pain. They will conduct experiments in mice to see how activating NR4A1 affects inflammation and pain recovery. By targeting this protein, the goal is to develop better pain management strategies that reduce reliance on opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for chronic pain, reducing the need for opioid medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar biological mechanisms for pain resolution, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berta, Temugin — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Berta, Temugin
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.