Understanding how Schwann cells manage energy in painful nerve conditions
Official title: Regulation of Schwann Cell Mitochondria Homeostasis in Painful Peripheral Neuropathy
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10790951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells called Schwann cells help manage energy in our nerves during painful conditions like peripheral neuropathy, with the goal of finding new ways to ease that pain and improve your quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $434,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135430-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from painful peripheral neuropathy, which may be caused by trauma, metabolic issues, or chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuropathic pain not related to Schwann cell dysfunction or those with other unrelated pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Schwann cells, which are crucial for nerve function, in managing energy levels within cells during painful peripheral neuropathy. The study aims to uncover how these cells contribute to pain and explore new therapeutic targets that could improve pain management. By focusing on the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, the research seeks to identify novel strategies to alleviate neuropathic pain, which is often difficult to treat and can severely impact quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for neuropathic pain with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, this specific approach focusing on Schwann cells and their repair mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campana, Wendy M. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Campana, Wendy M.
Related research
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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.