Understanding how opioid-sensitive neurons in the brain affect pain relief and addiction.
Official title: Characterizing the connectivity and molecular composition of opioid-sensitive neurons in the periaqueductal gray
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11082365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain brain cells that react to painkillers like opioids to understand how they help relieve pain without causing addiction, so we can find safer ways to manage chronic pain for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DA057779-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082365 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who are at risk of opioid dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or have no history of opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the periaqueductal gray region of the brain that are sensitive to opioids, which are commonly used for pain relief. By examining the molecular composition and connectivity of these neurons, the study aims to differentiate between the pathways that provide pain relief and those that contribute to addiction and other side effects. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze individual neurons, which could lead to the development of safer pain management therapies that do not carry the risk of addiction. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform new treatments for chronic pain without the harmful effects associated with current opioid medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of non-addictive pain relief therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding opioid pathways, but this specific approach to characterizing PAG neurons is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niehaus, Jesse — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Niehaus, Jesse
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.