# Neural Mechanisms Underlying IC/BPS

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $469,356

## Abstract

Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndromes (IC/BPS) is a debilitating condition with loss of bladder control and
severe bladder pain on bladder filling. Mechanisms underlying IC/BPS are poorly understood. Compelling studies
show that the brainstem via direct projection to the spinal cord can directly modulate nociceptive processing and
bladder function. In our preliminary studies, we have identified distinct populations of the brainstem neurons that
project to the spinal cord. Here we will determine the precise roles of these distinct brainstem neurons in the
pathology of IC/BPS. We will determine if IC/BPS leads to maladaptive changes in these distinct populations.
We will use optogenetics, anatomical tracing, in vivo calcium imaging, slice electrophysiology and RNA
sequencing to determine if IC/BPS leads to functional changes at the cellular and systems level in these circuits.
Do these changes drive IC/BPS? Does reversing these maladaptive changes relieve IC/BPS? Together, this
work will reveal the specific roles for this neural circuits in IC/BPS. This rich information can have broad
implications for potential new direction in designing safer therapeutic drugs in treatment of the IC/BPS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10401907
- **Project number:** 5R01DK128475-02
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Vijay K Samineni
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $469,356
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-05-05 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10401907

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10401907, Neural Mechanisms Underlying IC/BPS (5R01DK128475-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10401907. Licensed CC0.

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