Understanding how pain-sensing neurons affect intestinal inflammation and healing

Nociceptor regulation of intestinal inflammation and tissue protection

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11136945

This study is looking at how certain nerve cells that sense pain might help protect your gut but can also cause problems in people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and it hopes to find new ways to ease pain and inflammation for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136945 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of nociceptor sensory neurons in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which affect millions of Americans. It aims to explore how these pain-sensing neurons and their neuropeptides can protect tissue but may become dysfunctional in IBD, leading to increased inflammation and impaired healing. By utilizing advanced techniques from various scientific fields, the study seeks to uncover the complex interactions between the nervous system, immune response, and gut microbiota. This could provide insights into new treatment strategies for managing abdominal pain and inflammation in IBD patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly those experiencing abdominal pain.

Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders or those without abdominal pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve pain management and tissue healing for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nociceptors in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.