Investigating how specific brain neurons affect chronic pain
Official title: Neuropeptide Y1 Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus in Neuropathic Pain
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11076040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that help process pain might be involved in chronic pain conditions, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage their pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $86,288 |
| NIH project number | 7F32NS128392-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain that has not responded well to traditional analgesic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those whose pain is not neuropathic in nature may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of neuropeptide Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus, a brain region involved in pain processing. By examining how these neurons contribute to neuropathic pain, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions. The approach includes advanced neurobiological techniques to analyze neuronal activity and its effects on pain perception. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective pain management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain that are more effective than current options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting specific brain regions for pain management, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Heather Noel — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Allen, Heather Noel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
A study at Stanford tests whether a painless-sounding electrical nerve treatment helps people with long-standing neuropathic pain when added to standard care.
-
Keratinocytes and nerve pain in chemotherapy patients
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-
High-frequency brain stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain
A large, multi-site trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method to relieve chronic facial nerve pain for adults who have not found relief from other treatments.
-
Programmable lithium-delivery devices for pain relief without motor loss
A new bioelectronic system uses a safe lithium source and AI-powered control to deliver targeted pain relief for neuropathic pain, aiming to spare motor function.
-
Glial-nerve conversations in neuropathic pain and diabetes
This grant looks at how supportive brain and nerve cells communicate with pain-sensing neurons to understand and reduce chronic nerve pain in people.
-
Parmodulins with Low Abuse Potential for Neuropathic Pain
A new class of pain medicines called parmodulins is being studied to help people with nerve-pain pain without high abuse risk.
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.