Understanding how certain nerve cells regulate pain and discomfort in the body
Official title: Intrinsic Inhibitory Mechanisms of Vagal Nociceptors
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11101432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain nerve cells become too active when there's inflammation, causing ongoing problems like pain and bladder or breathing issues, and it aims to find new ways to help people who suffer from these chronic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,767 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178673-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic visceral pain, bladder irritability, or other related symptoms due to inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute, non-chronic conditions or those without visceral inflammatory disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which specific nerve cells, known as visceral nociceptors, become overly active in response to inflammation, leading to various chronic symptoms such as pain, bladder issues, and breathing difficulties. The study aims to uncover the ionic and molecular pathways that control the excitability of these nerves, focusing particularly on the role of potassium channels that inhibit nerve activity. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to alleviate the suffering of patients with chronic visceral disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce chronic pain and discomfort for patients suffering from visceral inflammatory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding nociceptor mechanisms, but this specific focus on inhibitory pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Hui — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Hui
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.