Uncovering Neurobiological Determinants of Brain-Directed Therapeutics for Arthritis Pain
Supervisors:
Prof Neil Basu, School of Infection and Immunity
Prof Edwin Robertson, School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Dr Flavia Sunzini, School of Infection and Immunity
Summary:
Many people with inflammatory arthritis continue to live with persistent pain, even when their inflammation is well controlled by modern therapies. The lack of response to standard therapies suggests that more complex processes are involved.
Our research points to the brain as a key player in why pain persists in these common disorders.. A brain region called the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) appears to influence both pain perception and inflammation , making it a compelling target for new treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique already approved by the NHS to treat sever depression depression. Our early results suggest that TMS, targeting the IPL, can reduce pain and influence immune function in inflammatory arthritis and we are now testing these preliminary findings in a larger funded study.
Within this new study, the successful candidate will investigate precisely howTMS works in the brain to alter pain and inflammation. Using advanced MRI scanning techniques, the student will study brain function and chemical changes before and after treatment and relate these to patient patient-reported outcomes and rich measure of the immune system.
In total, The project offers world-class training and supervision across neuroscience, immunology, and clinical research, and is ideal for students who are enthusiastic combine cutting-edge science with real-world healthcare impact.