Barrier Resealing in Pain
This project aims to investigate mechanisms of barrier resealing in the blood-peripheral nerve and blood-dorsal root ganglion (DRG) barriers to promote pain resolution after nerve injury and in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It focuses on cellular and molecular processes driving the recovery of barrier integrity.
Findings from the first funding period
Peripheral nerve injuries and CRPS are associated with breakdown of the blood-nerve and blood-DRG barriers, contributing to persistent pain. Data from the first funding period (FP1) demonstrated that pain resolution coincides with resealing of these barriers. Key molecules such as netrin-1 and resolvin D1 (RvD1) were identified as accelerators of barrier restoration and pain relief. Advanced imaging and experimental models revealed that barrier restoration involves interactions between endothelial cells, Schwann cells, macrophages, and tight junction proteins.
Research Objective
The project investigates cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways promoting resealing of blood-peripheral nerve and blood-DRG barriers. It develops disease-in-a-dish models and human in vitro systems to explore barrier function, evaluates therapeutic interventions, and studies neurovascular coupling of the DRG in CRPS patients using advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques.
Significance
Understanding the processes of barrier restoration is crucial for developing innovative treatments targeting barrier integrity. This project will contribute to identifying biomarkers and novel therapies to enhance pain resolution in nerve injury and CRPS patients. It also aims to improve diagnostic imaging and predict patient outcomes.
Research Team NP7
Principal investigators
Prof. Dr. Susanne Krug
Dept. of Medicine (Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology)
Clinical Physiology / Nutritional Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heike Rittner, MD
Scientific Coordinator KFO5001
Chair Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine
Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine
University Hospital Würzburg
Dr. Magnus Schindehütte, MD
Resident Physician and Advanced Clinician Scientist in the Department of Neuroradiology
University Hospital Würzburg
