Understanding how specific brain pathways affect persistent pain
Official title: The Role of Distinct Dorsal Column Nuclei Outputs in Persistent Pain
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10887232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the dorsal column nuclei affects the way we feel touch and pain, especially for people who experience pain when they touch something, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,610 |
| NIH project number | 1K99NS133476-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions, particularly those with touch-evoked pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those not experiencing persistent pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the dorsal column nuclei (DCN) in the brainstem, which processes touch sensations and their relationship to persistent pain. By examining how the DCN connects to other brain areas involved in pain perception and suppression, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to touch-evoked pain. The research employs advanced techniques such as ablation, electrical stimulation, and pharmacological interventions to explore these pathways. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new pain management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from persistent pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pain pathways, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gradwell, Mark — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Gradwell, Mark
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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.