Single-soma RNA sequencing and spatial mapping of human trigeminal ganglia
Official title: Project #1 Single-soma RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics of human TGs
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11564963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies human trigeminal ganglion cells from people with migraine to map which genes and cells are involved in migraine pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $798,587 |
| NIH project number | 4U19NS135528-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11564963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with migraine or without migraine (donors) who provide trigeminal ganglion tissue samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Living patients not providing samples or who do not directly contribute tissue may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania will map the molecular and cellular landscape of human trigeminal ganglion tissue from people with migraine and controls, using single-soma RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. The project will integrate data on gene expression, cell types, and epigenetic features to understand why migraine develops and how it causes head and facial pain. This work builds on prior deep RNA sequencing in related neurons and aims to create a high-resolution atlas that could guide new therapies. Patients and healthy volunteers may contribute tissue samples, and the team collaborates across international experts to interpret the data. The initiative, Penn HPPC, includes multiple cores and projects to advance precision pain science.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A detailed map of migraine-related gene activity in human trigeminal neurons could point to new targets for treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous high-resolution neuron studies have successfully linked molecular profiles to pain conditions, informing future therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Wenqin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Luo, Wenqin
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.