Understanding how stress in cells affects pain

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Responses in Pain

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10808953

This study is looking at how stress in certain cells affects pain after nerve injuries, and it's for people who want to understand why they might still feel pain long after getting hurt.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10808953 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses in the development and persistence of pain following peripheral nerve injury. It focuses on how immune cells respond to injury by activating certain receptors, leading to inflammation and pain. The study uses genetically modified mice to explore the effects of specific cellular pathways on pain responses and recovery. By analyzing gene expression and protein production in these cells, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions related to nerve injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain not related to nerve injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain by targeting the cellular mechanisms involved in pain persistence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting cellular stress responses can lead to improvements in pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.