Investigating how Schwann cells contribute to pain sensation
Official title: Schwann cell Piezo1 and pain sensation
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10948829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Piezo1 in certain nerve cells might affect pain, and it's for people who experience pain from nerve injuries; researchers will use a special virus to block Piezo1 in rats to see if that helps reduce pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS138704-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pain not related to nerve injury or those with other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Piezo1, a protein found in Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system, in pain sensation. The study will utilize a method involving adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to selectively inhibit Piezo1 in Schwann cells in a rat model. Researchers will verify the expression of Piezo1 in these cells and test the effects of a Piezo1 agonist and inhibitor on pain responses. The ultimate goal is to understand how targeting Piezo1 could help alleviate nerve injury-induced pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neuropathic pain, improving quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for pain management, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Hongwei — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Yu, Hongwei
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.