Understanding how nerves sense and signal cold
Molecular and Computational Dissection of Cold Nociception
This project aims to find how nerve cells detect painful cold so people with cold-triggered nerve pain might get better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146567 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how sensory nerve cells detect cold and convert that signal into pain by focusing on molecular players called thermoTRP ion channels and their signaling partners. The team combines lab experiments on cells and animal models with computer-based analyses to see how cold changes ion channel structure and nerve activity. They connect these basic mechanisms to conditions like cold allodynia and neuropathic pain to identify possible points for intervention. The work is conducted at Georgia State University using molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computational modeling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic or inflammatory pain who experience increased sensitivity or pain from cold would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose pain is unrelated to cold sensitivity or who need immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies to reduce cold-triggered pain such as cold allodynia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified thermoTRP channels as important in cold sensing, but the precise molecular mechanisms and interactions remain unresolved, so this project builds on known findings while exploring new details.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia State University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cymbalyuk, Gennady S — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Cymbalyuk, Gennady S
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 below.