Understanding how certain brain neurons affect emotions and motivation during chronic pain
Official title: Investigating the role of dorsal raphe nucleus enkephalin neurons in motivational and affective behaviors during chronic pain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11062270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that help relieve pain also affect feelings and motivation in people with chronic pain, hoping to find new ways to manage both the physical and emotional struggles that come with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DA062455-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who suffer from chronic pain and experience associated emotional difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or have no emotional dysregulation related to pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the brain that produce natural pain-relieving substances and how they influence emotional and motivational responses in individuals experiencing chronic pain. The study aims to explore the connection between these neurons and the emotional challenges often faced by chronic pain patients, such as anxiety and depression. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, researchers will examine how disrupting these neurons affects pain perception and emotional behavior. The goal is to gain insights that could lead to better pain management strategies that address both physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic pain that also alleviate emotional distress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the endogenous opioid system in pain and emotional regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Braden, Kathryn I — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Braden, Kathryn I
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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.