Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care
Official title: The Penn Human Precision Pain Center (HPPC): Discovery and Functional Evaluation of Human Primary Somatosensory Neuron Types at Normal and Chronic Pain Conditions
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11615139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $113,149 |
| NIH project number | 3U19NS135528-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11615139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with migraine or who experience trigeminal pain may contribute tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those not involved in tissue donation or related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project brings together experts to study human trigeminal neurons involved in migraine, using advanced gene and tissue analysis to map how these cells differ in people with and without migraine. It includes dedicated cores for acquiring human tissue, storing data, and coordinating activities, ensuring careful handling of samples and results. Through deep RNA sequencing and integrated data analysis, the team aims to build a detailed atlas of pain-related cells and their regulation. The work directly focuses on human biology and aims to translate findings into new approaches for managing migraine pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify new targets and biomarkers to develop better migraine therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous human neuron studies have established foundations for understanding pain pathways, and this project builds on those approaches with a focus on migraine.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Wenqin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Luo, Wenqin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
-
Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons
A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.
-
Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care
A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.
-
Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care
This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
-
Emotional awareness and expression therapy for veterans with chronic pain
A pragmatic trial will test EAET, a psychological treatment, for veterans who have chronic pain and related mental health symptoms.
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.