Understanding spinal mechanisms of bladder pain syndromes
Official title: Spinal Mechanisms Underlying Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndromes (IC/BPS)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11109603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the spinal cord affect bladder pain in people with interstitial cystitis, hoping to find new ways to help ease their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $660,807 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139386-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder pain not related to interstitial cystitis or those with other unrelated urological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the spinal cord's role in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndromes (IC/BPS), a condition characterized by debilitating bladder pain. The study aims to identify specific spinal neurons involved in bladder function and pain sensation, particularly under pathological conditions. By examining how these neurons change in response to cystitis, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could alleviate bladder symptoms. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from bladder pain syndromes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding spinal mechanisms related to bladder function, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samineni, Vijay K — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Samineni, Vijay K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Long-term study of a nationwide group of people with interstitial cystitis
A nationwide group of people with interstitial cystitis and similar cases will be followed over several years to understand how the condition progresses and how treatments work in real life.
-
Understanding spinal cord cell roles in bladder pain and function
A study to map which spinal cord cells process bladder sensations and how they contribute to bladder pain and voiding problems in IC/BPS.
-
How bladder support cells control the lining and bladder pain
Researchers are exploring whether special support cells in the bladder control nerve overgrowth and damage to the bladder lining in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
-
Spinal Cord Signals and bladder pain in IC/BPS
A new NIH grant looks at how specific spinal cord cells control bladder function and bladder pain in people with IC/BPS, aiming to uncover targets for future therapies.
-
Personalized treatments for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis)
A treatment approach aiming at the underlying causes of bladder pain for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
-
Spinal cord cell types that drive bladder pain in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS)
Researchers will use precise lab tools to find which spinal cord cells cause bladder pain and troublesome urination in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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.