Understanding how brain circuits influence chronic pain
Official title: Circuitry and Molecular Mechanisms for Descending Pain Facilitation
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10993655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells are involved in chronic pain to find new ways to help people who struggle with pain when regular treatments don’t work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $403,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129834-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from chronic pain conditions who have not found relief through conventional analgesics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits and molecular mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain, which affects a significant portion of the population. By utilizing advanced genetic and viral tools, the study focuses on specific neurons in the brain that are involved in pain perception and modulation. The researchers aim to uncover how these neurons can be targeted to improve pain management, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for chronic pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that more effectively manage chronic pain without the risks associated with current opioid therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting brain circuits for pain modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xiaoke — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xiaoke
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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.