Understanding the genetic and neural factors behind chronic pain after surgery
Official title: Chronic postoperative pain: Genetic and Neural Circuit Mechanisms
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10836986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people experience long-lasting pain after surgery, especially after procedures like amputations and heart surgeries, and aims to find ways to predict who might be at risk and improve how we can prevent and treat that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138168-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing high-risk surgeries such as amputations, cardiac surgeries, or thoracotomies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with conditions unrelated to postoperative pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of chronic postoperative pain, which can persist for months or years after surgery, affecting millions of patients. The study aims to identify genetic biomarkers and neural mechanisms that predict which patients are at risk of developing this type of pain. By examining the efficiency of pain inhibition mechanisms in patients and animal models, the researchers hope to develop better prevention and treatment strategies. The focus is on surgeries with high rates of chronic pain, such as amputations and cardiac procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and preventing chronic postoperative pain, enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic and neural factors related to pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Norman — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Norman
Related research
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-
Contemporary Human Models of Postoperative Pain in General Surgery
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-
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Central glutamate signaling in postoperative pain regulation
This grant studies how brain circuits control pain after surgery to help develop non-opioid pain medicines for patients.
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Extended-release gel for opioid-free postoperative pain relief
A new injectable gel formulation of bupivacaine is being tested to provide pain relief for several days after surgery without using opioids.
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.