Targeting sensory receptors that cause pain, itch, and migraine
Structure, function, and pharmacology of sensory receptors
Researchers are working to understand how sensory receptor channels cause pain, itch, and migraine and to develop non-opioid medicines for people with sensory disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180090 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map how sensory receptor channels on nerve cells detect and integrate signals like temperature and irritants. Scientists will combine structural biology, functional experiments, pharmacology, computational modeling, chemical biology, and cellular studies to see how these channels work at the molecular level. They will examine disease-linked mutations and screen small molecules that can specifically modulate these receptors. The goal is to generate drug leads and a general model of somatosensation that can guide future patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic pain, persistent itch, certain inherited sensory disorders, or migraine may be most likely to qualify for future trials or to donate samples.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are unrelated to somatosensory receptor dysfunction or who need immediate symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new non-opioid treatments that reduce chronic pain, itch, or migraine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified sensory ion channels as drug targets and produced promising leads, but turning those findings into effective non-opioid therapies has been difficult and remains an active research goal.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Seok-Yong — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Seok-Yong
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.