Understanding how the brain's opioid system affects pain relief.
Official title: Endogenous opioid modulation of cortical pain circuits.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11066338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps manage pain relief, especially when people feel better just by expecting to, rather than taking medicine, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding new ways to handle chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA062445-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who may benefit from understanding the psychological aspects of pain relief.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those who do not experience chronic pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's opioid system modulates pain relief, particularly focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and its mu opioid receptors. Using advanced techniques like calcium imaging and a novel opioid biosensor, the study aims to explore the neural mechanisms behind placebo analgesia, which is the relief of pain through expectation rather than medication. By examining how these brain circuits respond during pain relief scenarios, the research seeks to uncover new insights into chronic pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing chronic pain without relying solely on medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the placebo effect and its relation to pain relief, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oswell, Corinna — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Oswell, Corinna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.