Pain signals from inside nerve cells
Endosomal Platforms for Signaling Pain
Looks at whether blocking pain signals that originate inside nerve cells can ease chronic pain linked to nerve growth factor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235930 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor TrkA send pain signals from internal cell compartments rather than only from the cell surface. Researchers will use mouse and human nociceptors, electrical recordings, mouse behavior tests, biochemical assays with proteins and model cells, and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs to reach those compartments. They will study the roles of proteins such as NRP1 and GIPC1 in NGF-driven nerve sensitization and test endosome-targeted antagonists to block pain signaling. The work aims to identify approaches that reduce pain by acting where the signals are generated inside the cell.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic pain possibly driven by NGF/TrkA signaling (for example certain neuropathic pain or some osteoarthritis-related pain) would be most relevant for future trials.
Not a fit: People whose pain is primarily due to other causes (such as acute injury, purely structural problems, or inflammatory pain not driven by NGF) may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new pain treatments that work better and cause fewer systemic side effects by targeting pain signaling inside nerve cells.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work showed endosome-targeted antagonists reduced pain in animal models, but applying this to TrkA/NGF signaling and human samples is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bunnett, Nigel W — New York University
- Study coordinator: Bunnett, Nigel W
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.