Proteins that control pain signals in sensory nerves
Official title: RNA-Protein Interactions in Nociception
Funded at University of New England · NIH-11306637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether increasing a natural protein in adult sensory nerve cells can lower persistent or chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $348,724 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS121533-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with persistent or chronic peripheral neuropathic pain linked to sensitized sensory nerves would be the most relevant group for future therapies from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with only short-term acute pain, pain from non-neuronal causes, or those needing immediate relief are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused research.
What this research studies
Researchers discovered an RNA-binding protein in a subset of sensory neurons that appears to block production of many pain-related molecules. In the lab they will identify which pain genes this protein controls and test how boosting its function changes nerve excitability. The team will use single-cell RNA sequencing, molecular and histological studies, and behavioral pain tests in animal models to measure effects. The goal is to normalize pain thresholds and guide development of targeted treatments for chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new, more precise pain treatments that lower chronic pain by restoring natural controls in nerve cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies that altered overall protein synthesis have reduced pain, but targeting this specific RNA-binding protein in nociceptors is a newer and largely untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Benjamin — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Benjamin
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.