Neuron-satellite glial signaling in pelvic pain and pelvic organ cross-sensitization
Official title: Role of neuron-satellite glia cell signaling in pelvic pain and visceral cross-sensitization
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11377583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how nerve cells and nearby support cells in the pelvis communicate and contribute to chronic pelvic pain conditions like IC/BPS and IBS, with the goal of identifying new ways to relieve pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,406,676 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK138832-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with chronic pelvic pain conditions (e.g., IC/BPS or IBS) who may benefit from future translational therapies arising from neuron-glia signaling insights.
✕Less likely to help
People without chronic pelvic pain or related conditions may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
This project investigates how signaling between dorsal root ganglion neurons and satellite glial cells may drive chronic pelvic pain affecting the bladder and colon. By studying these interactions in animal models, researchers aim to uncover shared pathways that could explain why bladder and bowel pain often occur together. The work focuses on neural integration within sensory ganglia and how gliotransmitters, ATP, and cytokines modulate neuronal excitability. If these neuron-glia mechanisms are confirmed, they could point to novel targets for treating pelvic organ pain and its comorbidity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially new targets for therapies that reduce chronic pelvic pain and improve quality of life for patients with IC/BPS and IBS.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown neuron-glia interactions contribute to chronic pain in other organ systems, supporting potential relevance to pelvic pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie
Related research
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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.