Ling Cao Receives Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Biomedical Sciences Department, received a new R01 grant award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for the total of $1,631,005.

The grant, titled, “Role of CD137L in Peripheral Nerve Injury Induced Neuropathic Pain,” will provide her laboratory with funding for the next five 5 years to investigate the role of a molecule expressed by cells in the spinal cord. This molecule is involved in the development and exacerbation of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is one of the most devastating kinds of chronic pain, and to date effective treatment for this kind of pain is lacking.

Cao’s project will look at how blocking the activation of this molecule can promote a shift in cell activation and reduce injury-induced sensory hypersensitivity. The long-term goal of Cao’s research is to contribute to the development of novel treatments for neuropathic pain, which fits well with NINDS’ mission to reduce the burden of neurological disease. The preliminary data for Cao’s current grant award was supported by a NIGMS grant.

To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.une.edu/com

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions