Understanding how specific brain circuits affect pain and behavior
Official title: Dissecting the role of mPFC dynorphin circuits in the modulation of different pain states
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10868896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific brain circuits in mice react to pain and how these changes might affect their behavior, with the hope that understanding this could lead to better ways to manage pain and its emotional effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,068,842 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS132920-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions that may also experience emotional disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those not experiencing any pain-related behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain circuits, particularly those involving dynorphin in the prefrontal cortex, change in response to pain and how these changes affect behavior. By studying mice, researchers will observe how pain influences the activity of these brain circuits and their response to painful stimuli. The study employs advanced techniques like electrophysiology and calcium imaging to gain insights into the mechanisms of pain and its emotional impacts. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover how manipulating these circuits could help manage pain and related behavioral issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain and associated emotional disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores novel aspects of brain circuits in pain, similar studies have shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheets, Patrick L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Sheets, Patrick L
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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.