The European consortium DECIPHER is investigating the causes of neuropathic pain and wants to find out why some patients experience pain despite the same cause, but others do not. The working group of Prof. Dr. Nurcan Üçeyler at the University Hospital Würzburg is significantly involved. For the research of stromal CD90⁺ cells, the consortium will receive around 1.5 million euros from ERA-NET NEURON.

In Europe, about 40 million adults suffer from chronic nerve pain, which has a burning and electrifying effect and is often difficult to bear. Conventional painkillers are ineffective, and specific medications such as ion channel blockers or antidepressants often have insufficient effect. The pain causes high costs in the health care systems.

ERA-NET NEURON supports interdisciplinary projects on pain pathophysiology. As part of the call “Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Neuroscience of Pain”, neurological, biological, psychological and social aspects will be investigated. The DECIPHER consortium, consisting of researchers from the UK, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey and Germany, will receive funding to decipher the role of CD90⁺ stromal cells.

These connective tissue cells become active in the event of injuries, contribute to scarring and can irritate nerves. They release inflammatory substances that make nerves more sensitive and trigger or intensify pain. The consortium combines clinical trials, human cell cultures and animal experimental approaches to develop new treatment options.

The Würzburg research group contributes clinical data, patient material and stem cell-based nerve cell cultures, which are analysed microscopically, electrophysiologically and molecularly. These models are available to all partners. By combining clinical and experimental methods, findings are to be made usable for patients. The self-help organization SchmerzLOS e.V. supports the project in an advisory capacity in order to integrate patient perspectives.

ERA-NET NEURON coordinates neuroscience research in Europe in order to use resources efficiently and avoid duplicate structures. The 2025 call for proposals promotes innovative pain research. DECIPHER uses the funding to clarify the role of stromal cells in neuropathic pain and to develop new therapeutic approaches.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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