Understanding nerve and support cell communication in chronic pelvic pain
Official title: Role of neuron-satellite glia cell signaling in pelvic pain and visceral cross-sensitization
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11161510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how nerve cells and their support cells in the pelvis communicate, aiming to understand the causes of chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138832-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients experiencing chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome may find this research relevant to their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pain is not related to nerve-glia interactions in the pelvic region may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Millions of people experience chronic pelvic pain, often linked to conditions like interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the reasons for this long-lasting pain are not fully understood. This project focuses on the interactions between sensory neurons and satellite glial cells in the nerve clusters that connect to pelvic organs. We believe that changes in how these cells communicate might be a common cause of pain in the bladder and colon, and could explain why IC/BPS and IBS often occur together. By studying these cell interactions, we hope to uncover new ways to address chronic pelvic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of chronic pelvic pain and related conditions, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the importance of neuron-glial interactions in other chronic pain models, suggesting this approach has a strong foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Suadicani, Sylvia Ottilie
Related research
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A short, patient-friendly study will look at whether allergy-related antibodies can help predict and prevent flare-ups in people with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
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A new oral medicine combining cromolyn sodium and cetirizine is being developed to help adults with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain by targeting immune and nerve-related pathways.
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Sacral nerve stimulation for chronic pelvic pain
A study to see if a minimally invasive nerve-stimulation therapy can help reduce chronic pelvic pain and improve quality of life in adult women.
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.