Mechanistic insights into chronic low back pain using patient tissues

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project will analyze nerve, joint, muscle, and fascia tissues from patients with chronic low back pain using single-cell RNA sequencing to map which cells and signals are involved. By comparing these tissues to known pain-related datasets, the team hopes to identify how cell types and communication networks differ in CLBP. They will also build interactome models to link tissue signals with neuronal pain pathways, and perform drug-impact tests on human dorsal root ganglion neurons to explore potential therapies. The work combines detailed patient tissue analysis with computational modeling to pinpoint mechanisms that drive chronic pain in humans.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Texas Dallas
  Richardson, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Curatolo, Michele — University of Texas Dallas
• Study coordinator: Curatolo, Michele

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.