Understanding how spinal pain signals are transmitted to the brain
Official title: Analysis of ascending spinal pain circuits
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11048926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the spinal cord send pain signals to the brain, especially focusing on a new type of cell that might help us understand and treat chronic pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $453,104 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136363-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who have not found relief through existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those whose pain is not related to spinal cord signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pain signals from the body are relayed to the brain through specific spinal cord neurons. It focuses on a newly identified group of neurons that express the GPR83 receptor, which may play a crucial role in chronic pain. By studying these neurons, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for pain management. The approach includes examining the interactions between different pain pathways and their responses to various stimuli.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain that are more effective than current options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting spinal pain circuits, but this specific approach focusing on GPR83-expressing neurons is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Seungwon — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Choi, Seungwon
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.