Understanding how certain brain circuits control pain.
Official title: Novel Circuits and Mechanisms of Descending Pain Modulation
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11001471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain brain cells help control pain, with the hope of finding new ways to manage pain better for people dealing with both short-term and long-lasting pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $495,419 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127428-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who have not found relief with current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain that is easily managed or those without chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex neural circuits involved in pain processing, focusing on a newly identified group of neurons in the brain that regulate pain. By using advanced techniques like chemogenetics, the study aims to understand how these neurons interact with other pain pathways and how they can be targeted for better pain management. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to the development of new therapies for both acute and chronic pain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding pain modulation through neural circuits, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Usachev, Yuriy M — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Usachev, Yuriy M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.