Understanding how nerve injuries affect pain-related gene regulation
Official title: Mechanisms of Epigenetic Plasticity in Neuropathic Pain
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11060037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how nerve injuries can cause long-lasting pain by looking at changes in certain genes and proteins in the body, which could help find new ways to treat chronic pain for people who suffer from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132398-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic nerve injuries or suffer from neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain not related to nerve injuries or those with other unrelated pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms that lead to chronic pain following nerve injuries. It focuses on how traumatic nerve damage alters the regulation of genes involved in pain perception, particularly looking at a specific protein called α2δ-1. By studying the role of certain enzymes that modify DNA and histones, the research aims to uncover how these changes contribute to the development and persistence of neuropathic pain. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pain mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying epigenetic factors in neuropathic pain is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Hui-Lin — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Pan, Hui-Lin
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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.