Understanding how heme affects pain in sickle cell disease
Official title: Investigating the Role of Heme in Acute and Chronic Sickle Cell Disease Pain
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10898642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called heme might cause pain in people with sickle cell disease by testing it on mice, so we can better understand the pain they feel and find new ways to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $51,064 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL170588-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 12 to 20 who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of heme, a substance that can accumulate in the body, in causing pain for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). The study will explore how elevated levels of heme contribute to both acute and chronic pain by examining the behavior of mice with SCD and how their sensory neurons react to heme. By using various experimental techniques, including behavioral assessments and electrophysiology, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind pain in SCD and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate pain for patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting heme levels may be a promising approach for managing pain in sickle cell disease, suggesting potential for success in this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zorn, Samuel Joshua — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Zorn, Samuel Joshua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.