Understanding how blood vessels and neurons interact in pain
Official title: Neuron vasculature interactions in pain
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10979939 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood vessels and nerves work together to cause ongoing pain after nerve injuries, using special mice to see what happens in real-time, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage this type of pain for people who suffer from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $629,503 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS135157-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979939 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain, particularly those with spontaneous pain symptoms following nerve injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain not related to neuropathic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between blood vessels and neurons in the context of neuropathic spontaneous pain, a challenging condition for many patients. Using genetically modified mice, researchers will observe neuronal activity in real-time to understand how nerve injuries lead to spontaneous pain. The study aims to identify the role of sympathetic activation and adrenergic receptors in this process, which could reveal new targets for pain management. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pain mechanisms through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jun-Ming — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jun-Ming
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.