Mapping the human pain-related nerve cells and spinal cord functions
Mapping the human DRG and spinal cord functional genome at cellular and spatial resolution
This study is looking at how human nerve cells that help us feel pain are different from those in mice, and it's for people with chronic pain who want to understand more about their condition and help improve future pain treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930055 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences between human and mouse nerve cells that are involved in pain perception. By analyzing tissue samples from organ donors and patients with chronic pain, the study aims to identify distinct cell types in the human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord. Using advanced sequencing technologies, researchers will explore how these cells change in response to pain and how factors like age and sex influence these changes. The goal is to create a detailed map of the cellular landscape that could inform the development of new pain therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic pain or are organ donors.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies tailored to individual patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar sequencing technologies to map cellular functions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Theodore J. — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Price, Theodore J.
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.