Understanding how bladder cells communicate with sensory neurons
Official title: Urothelial Cells and Sensory Signaling
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10942380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in the bladder talk to nerve cells and how this communication changes when there’s inflammation, which could help us find better treatments for bladder issues like overactive bladder and bladder pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $521,019 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140233-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942380 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bladder diseases such as overactive bladder, recurrent bladder infections, or bladder pain syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without bladder disorders or those not experiencing sensory dysfunction related to bladder conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of urothelial cells in bladder function and how they communicate with sensory neurons. By using a novel mouse model that allows for direct stimulation of these cells, the researchers aim to identify the sensory neurons that respond to urothelial signaling under both normal and inflammatory conditions. This approach will help clarify how bladder diseases disrupt sensory signaling and contribute to pain. The findings could lead to more targeted therapies for conditions like overactive bladder and bladder pain syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bladder-related pain and dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of urothelial cells in bladder function is recognized, this specific approach using optogenetics is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar research.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mickle, Aaron David — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mickle, Aaron David
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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.