Researchers at NYU Dentistry have been awarded an $8 million grant to investigate the mechanisms behind oral cancer pain. This project is part of the National Institutes of Health’s HEAL Initiative, which aims to develop better pain treatments to combat the opioid crisis.
The focus of the study is on endosomes, cellular compartments that contain signaling receptors. These receptors, called GPCRs and RTKs, play a key role in various physiological processes, including pain perception.
The researchers believe that GPCRs and RTKs within endosomes trigger long-lasting pain signals in nerves and neighboring cells. They will investigate how cancer cells, immune cells, and neurons release substances that activate these receptors, ultimately leading to chronic pain.
The research team brings together experts from NYU Dentistry, Columbia University, and the University of Florida. They will combine clinical and basic science approaches to understand pain mechanisms in oral cancer patients.
The project will involve collecting tumor samples from patients and studying how they activate pain pathways. Additionally, scientists will examine the effects of potential drugs that target these signaling receptors.
This research holds promise for developing more effective pain management strategies for oral cancer patients, potentially reducing reliance on opioids. The collaboration between dentists, scientists, and engineers highlights a promising approach to tackling this complex healthcare challenge.
