Targeting chronic pain in sickle cell disease
Molecular Mechanism and Targeting of Chronic Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
This project is developing new drug approaches to reduce ongoing pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266190 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why people with sickle cell disease have long-lasting pain by studying the biology of nerves and molecular signals using well-established mouse models that carry the human sickle mutation. The team will examine epigenetic factors like microRNAs and nerve-related enzymes to find the molecular drivers of chronic pain. They will test candidate drug treatments in these models to see whether blocking those signals reduces pain-related behaviors. If promising, the findings would guide development of medicines that could later be tested in people with sickle cell disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with sickle cell disease who experience chronic pain or frequent painful crises would be the intended beneficiaries and potential future trial participants.
Not a fit: People without sickle cell disease or anyone expecting immediate personal relief from this preclinical lab research should not expect direct benefit right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new medications that meaningfully reduce chronic and crisis pain for people with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have used the Berkeley and Townes sickle cell mouse models before to study disease biology, but targeting the neurobiology of chronic sickle cell pain for new drugs remains relatively novel and current treatments are often insufficient.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zaijie Jim — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zaijie Jim
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.