Understanding how brain circuits influence chronic pain
Official title: Investigation of neural ensembles driving pain chronification
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10992681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain pathways affect the way we feel pain and how that might lead to long-lasting pain, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage the emotional side of their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,346 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130044-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain, particularly those who also report significant emotional distress related to their pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain that does not transition to chronic pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits that contribute to the emotional experience of pain, particularly how these circuits may lead to chronic pain conditions. By examining specific neural ensembles in the amygdala, the study aims to uncover the connections between pain perception and emotional responses. The approach includes advanced techniques like brain imaging and genetic manipulation to analyze how these circuits function in both acute and chronic pain scenarios. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments targeting the emotional aspects of pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that alleviate the emotional suffering associated with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to pain, but this specific approach focusing on the emotional aspects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beier, Kevin T — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Beier, Kevin T
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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.