Understanding bladder pain and its underlying causes

Signal integration by specialized mesenchyme in urothelial homeostasis and Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10583133

This study is looking into what causes Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) in women, focusing on how certain cells in the bladder might affect pain and urinary problems, with the hope of finding better treatments for this challenging condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10583133 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), a condition that causes chronic pelvic pain and urinary issues, particularly in women. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of IC/BPS by examining the role of specialized bladder mesenchyme and its impact on bladder sensory innervation and urothelial health. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will analyze how these factors contribute to the symptoms experienced by patients. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for managing this debilitating condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome who experience chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with bladder pain not related to IC/BPS or those with other unrelated urinary disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from chronic bladder pain and urinary dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bladder pain mechanisms, but this approach is innovative and aims to explore uncharted areas of IC/BPS pathology.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.