Investigating pain pathways in knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Novel models to study dorsal root ganglion neurons in knee osteoarthritis pain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11193276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the body are linked to pain in people with knee osteoarthritis, with the goal of finding new and easier ways to help manage that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,654 |
| NIH project number | 3K99AR083486-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 45 years old who are experiencing chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not experiencing significant pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific nerve cells, known as dorsal root ganglion neurons, contribute to pain in knee osteoarthritis. By targeting these neurons, the study aims to develop new pain management strategies that are less invasive and more effective than current treatments. The approach involves identifying the precise populations of neurons involved in transmitting pain signals, which could lead to better therapeutic options for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer pain relief options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific nerve populations for pain relief, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brewer, Chelsie L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Brewer, Chelsie L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Nanoparticles delivering an sPLA2 blocker for knee osteoarthritis
This project uses tiny, drug-filled nanoparticles to deliver an sPLA2-blocking medicine into the knee to reduce inflammation and slow knee osteoarthritis in people with painful knee OA.
-
Remote tai chi for knee OA in everyday care
A nationwide study will test remotely delivered tai chi for people with knee osteoarthritis to see if it helps pain and function when added to usual care.
-
Sensory nerves and joint cells talk to each other in knee arthritis
This grant tests how nerve signals and joint cells interact in knee osteoarthritis, with a focus on CGRP pathways and how they affect pain and joint damage.
-
From knee to brain: a whole-body look at inflammation in knee osteoarthritis
Aims to map inflammation across the body and brain in people with knee osteoarthritis using advanced imaging to help explain and improve pain and treatment.
-
Determinants of rapid knee osteoarthritis progression using radiograph features
A patient-friendly look at how knees with osteoarthritis may progress more quickly, using advanced X-ray measurements to identify who is at higher 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.