Investigating how Schwann cells contribute to pain sensation
Schwann cell Piezo1 and pain sensation
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 ID | NIH-10948829 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain or related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with pain not related to nerve injury or those with other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for pain management, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- 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 below.