Understanding how brain cells contribute to the transition from acute to chronic pain
Official title: Microglia-Mediated Astrocyte Activation in the Acute-to-Chronic Pain Transition
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10862571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells work together when pain changes from short-term to long-term, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage chronic pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS131193-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing acute pain who are at risk of developing chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established chronic pain conditions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the immune cells in the brain, in activating astrocytes, which are crucial for pain signaling. By examining how these brain cells interact during the transition from acute to chronic pain, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent chronic pain from developing. The approach includes manipulating microglia to see if it can alter astrocyte activation and, consequently, pain outcomes. This research could lead to new strategies for managing chronic pain, which currently has limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that prevent acute pain from becoming chronic, improving quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that manipulating microglia can prevent chronic pain, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nippert, Amy — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Nippert, Amy
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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.