Understanding how certain cells contribute to pain in oral cancer
Official title: Defining TRPV4 contribution of Schwann cells to oral cancer pain
Funded at New York University · NIH-11033704 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells and a specific channel in the body might cause pain in people with oral cancer, and it aims to find better ways to measure and manage that pain, using mice to help understand the problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,743 |
| NIH project number | 1K23DE034496-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033704 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral cancer who experience significant pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of oral cancer or those not experiencing pain related to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Schwann cells and a specific ion channel, TRPV4, in causing pain for patients with oral cancer. By studying how these cells respond to pressure and stretching, the research aims to develop new methods for measuring pain sensitivity. The project will utilize mouse models to explore the mechanisms behind oral cancer pain and assess the potential of TRPV4 inhibition as a pain management strategy. Ultimately, the goal is to improve pain relief options for patients suffering from oral cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients with oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting TRPV4 for pain management in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mulpuri, Yatendra — New York University
- Study coordinator: Mulpuri, Yatendra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Truncated TrkB and Oral Cancer Pain in Head and Neck Cancer
This project looks at a specific brain receptor told to influence pain in people with oral cancer to find new ways to reduce pain without heavy opioids.
-
Understanding how mouth cancer proteases drive pain in patients
This NIH grant looks at how enzymes in oral cancer tumors may cause pain, aiming to connect specific proteases with how patients feel pain.
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Blocking HB-EGF and trigeminal EGFR to reduce oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance
Blocking HB-EGF and EGFR signals in trigeminal nerve cells to try to reduce severe mouth cancer pain and slow opioid tolerance for people with oral cancer.
-
Continuous flow production of antibody-loaded nanoparticles for non-opioid oral cancer pain relief
A non-opioid approach using antibody-packed nanoparticles is being developed to relieve oral cancer pain and improve quality of life.
-
Investigating a specific protein's role in pain from oral cancer
This study is looking at how a protein called TrkBT1 affects pain in people with head and neck cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to manage that pain without relying too much on opioids.
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.