Targeting specific spinal cord neurons to improve chronic pain treatment
Official title: Identifying and targeting neural subpopulations of the spinal cord that mediate chronic pain via cell-type-specific cis-regulatory elements
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-10903106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific nerve cells in the spinal cord affect chronic pain, with the goal of finding better treatments for people who suffer from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 4, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS134318-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who may benefit from more targeted therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those whose pain is not related to spinal cord neuron activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain types of neurons in the spinal cord contribute to chronic pain, aiming to develop more effective treatments. By analyzing genetic markers and regulatory elements associated with these neurons in both mice and macaques, the study seeks to identify specific targets for new pain medications. The approach involves understanding the genetic variations that influence pain and how to selectively target the affected neurons. This could lead to more precise and effective pain management strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for chronic pain, reducing reliance on current pain medications that often have undesirable side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting specific neural populations for pain management, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leone, Michael — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Leone, Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
-
Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons
A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.
-
Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care
Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.
-
Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care
A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.
-
Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care
This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
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.