# GPR171 As a Novel Target to Treat Neuropathic Pain

> **NIH NIH R03** · UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $143,561

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Millions of chronic pain patients lack adequate therapeutics to treat their pain. Orphan G-protein
coupled receptors could be a new avenue to investigate for the treatment of pain and a variety
of other health concerns. One interesting candidate is GPR171 that recently was found to be the
receptor of the highly abundant neuropeptide, BigLEN. The purpose of this proposed research
is to investigate the neural circuitry of this system, BigLEN-GPR171, and its ability to alleviate
chronic pain. Our preliminary data show that a GPR171 agonist has antinociceptive properties
in chronic pain. In addition, neuropathic pain downregulates GPR171 expression within a key
brain region, periaqueductal gray, that is involved in pain modulation. Our hypothesis is that
GPR171 within the periaqueductal gray regulates neuropathic pain. To test this hypothesis, we
will use molecular and behavioral pharmacology to investigate a GPR171 agonist on
chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and decipher which brain areas are mediating these
responses. Aim 1 will determine the effectiveness of long-term treatment with a GPR171 agonist
on treating chronic neuropathic pain. Alterations in GPR171 expression and signaling within the
descending pain circuit following chronic pain will be investigated in Aim 2a by using molecular
techniques. Aim 2b will use viral knockdown and local administration of GPR171 compounds to
determine the role of the periaqueductal gray in relieving neuropathic pain. Overall, this
innovative research has important pain therapeutic implications, as it will enhance our
understanding of the physiological functions of this novel neuropeptide system.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10217478
- **Project number:** 1R03TR003667-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Erin Nicole Bobeck
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $143,561
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10217478

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10217478, GPR171 As a Novel Target to Treat Neuropathic Pain (1R03TR003667-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10217478. Licensed CC0.

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