Investigating MBD1 as a target for treating chronic pain
Official title: Exploration of MBD1 as a therapeutic target for chronic pain
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10686688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called MBD1 to find new ways to help people with chronic pain by understanding how it affects the brain after nerve injuries, with the hope of creating better treatments than what we have now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $419,129 |
| NIH project number | 1R21TR004701-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not found relief with existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have a neuropathic component to their pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how MBD1, a protein involved in gene regulation, can be targeted to develop new therapies for chronic pain. Chronic pain often leads to long-lasting changes in the brain, particularly in areas that affect mood and cognition. By exploring the role of DNA methylation and MBD1 in the brain's response to nerve injury, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies that go beyond current pain management options. The approach includes studying the molecular mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain and testing potential therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that effectively alleviate chronic pain without the side effects associated with current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting epigenetic mechanisms in chronic pain is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar strategies may hold promise in other areas of pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Laura S — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Stone, Laura S
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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.