RNA editing to lower nerve pain by changing the Nav1.7 channel
Official title: Site-Directed RNA Editing of Nav1.7 as a Novel Analgesic
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-10855058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using a precise RNA edit of the Nav1.7 nerve channel to lower chronic pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,404,785 |
| NIH project number | 4U19NS126038-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic, peripheral nerve–driven pain who have not achieved relief from current treatments would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with pain driven mainly by central nervous system causes, children, pregnant people, or those with certain heart/brain conditions may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This work aims to reprogram the RNA message for a nerve sodium channel (Nav1.7) so the channel conducts ions differently and calms overactive pain nerves. Researchers plan to use site-directed RNA editing tools, delivered with engineered molecules such as AAV vectors and ADAR-based editors, to change a single amino acid in the channel protein. Laboratory and animal tests will check whether the edits reduce nerve excitability while avoiding heart or brain side effects. If those results are promising, the approach could move toward development for adults with chronic peripheral pain who need non-opioid options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a non-addictive way to reduce chronic peripheral pain by directly calming overactive pain nerves.
How similar studies have gone: This is a novel, largely preclinical approach: RNA editing shows promise in lab models but there are few if any completed human treatments using this exact method for Nav1.7.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Joshua J.c. — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Joshua J.c.
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.