Investigating the role of a specific protein in chronic itch
Official title: Role of stromal interaction molecule 2 in chronic itch
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11071950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the spinal cord might be involved in causing chronic itch, and it's for people who suffer from this frustrating condition, with hopes of finding better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,431 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128403-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic itch conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute itch or those whose itch is not related to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind chronic itch, a condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. The team is exploring how certain proteins, specifically store-operated calcium channels (SOCs), function in the spinal cord and their role in itch signaling. By using genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to determine how the deletion of specific proteins affects itch and pain responses. This could lead to new insights into potential treatments for chronic itch.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic itch, improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding itch mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on SOCs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Huijuan — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hu, Huijuan
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.