Understanding how Rgs7 affects pain and mood through kappa opioid receptors
Official title: Rgs7 regulation of the Kappa Opioid Receptor
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-10775068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Rgs7 affects certain receptors in the brain that help manage pain and mood, with the goal of finding better treatments that can relieve pain without causing unwanted side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,273 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059446-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10775068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain or mood disorders who may benefit from new analgesic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience pain or mood disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Rgs7 in regulating kappa opioid receptors (KOR), which are involved in pain perception and mood. By studying how Rgs7 influences KOR signaling, the research aims to identify specific neuronal populations that contribute to both the pain-relieving and negative effects of KOR agonists. The approach includes behavioral tests to assess responses to aversive stimuli and the impact of Rgs7 phosphorylation on KOR signaling. This could lead to the development of new treatments that maximize pain relief while minimizing adverse effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management therapies with fewer side effects for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding GPCR signaling and its implications for pain management, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutton, Laurie — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Sutton, Laurie
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.