Understanding the nerve connections in the knee joint and their role in pain.
Official title: Neuronal anatomy, connectivity, and phenotypic innervation of the knee joint
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11093668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the nerves in the knee to see how they relate to pain in people with osteoarthritis, using advanced imaging techniques on both animals and humans to help find better treatments for joint pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $96,000 |
| NIH project number | 3UC2AR082200-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, particularly those experiencing severe knee pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with joint pain not related to osteoarthritis or those with other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the nerve structures and connections in the knee joint, focusing on how they contribute to pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. By using advanced imaging and profiling technologies, the study aims to identify specific neurons that innervate the joint and understand their behavior in the presence of joint disease. The research involves both small animal models and human patients to gather comprehensive data on these neuronal pathways. The ultimate goal is to enhance the development of effective treatments for joint pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for osteoarthritis-related joint pain, improving the quality of life for millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neuronal pathways in other joint conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Brendan — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lee, Brendan
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.