Mapping human pain-sensing nerve cells
Project 1: Multi-omic characterization of human nociceptors
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11163254
Researchers are creating detailed molecular maps of the human nerve cells that detect pain to help find treatments that work better for people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163254 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project analyzes human pain-sensing nerve cells using single-cell genomics, epigenomics, and spatial mapping to create a detailed cell atlas. The team will use tissue donated from a diverse group of donors and link common genetic differences to how genes are expressed in these cells. Protocols include measuring gene activity, epigenetic regulation, and cell location within tissue to define distinct nociceptor subtypes. The resulting datasets will be shared with other centers to help scientists search for new pain treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who can donate tissue samples or share clinical and genetic information, including surgical donors, enrolled patients with pain who agree to provide data, or post-mortem donors.
Not a fit: People who do not provide tissue or genetic/clinical data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new, human-relevant targets for safer and more effective pain treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and multi-omic atlases have successfully characterized other human tissues, but applying these methods specifically to human nociceptors for pain therapy discovery is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RENTHAL, WILLIAM RUSSELL — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: RENTHAL, WILLIAM RUSSELL
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.