For four years now, the ResolvePAIN Clinical Research Group (KFO 5001) has been investigating the peripheral mechanisms of pain and its resolution - to the complete satisfaction of the reviewers. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is now supporting the researchers in a second funding period with a total of more than 8 million euros for another four years. The interdisciplinary research group at the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), which cooperates with the University of Leipzig, the Charité University Medicine Berlin and the Mercator Fellow in Rochester, New York, is headed by Professor Dr. Heike Lydia Rittner, spokesperson is Professor Dr. Claudia Sommer.

Nowhere else in Europe are clinical and basic research in pain medicine so closely linked to an innovative research question, was one of the many responses of the reviewers appointed by the German Research Foundation (DFG) after they had gained an impression of the ResolvePAIN Clinical Research Unit (KFO 5001) at the end of the first funding period. Resolve Pain - the name says it all. Specifically, the research group wants to understand how pain subsides after nerve damage. "Such nerve damage can have various causes, such as chemotherapy, incisional hernia surgery, complex regional pain syndrome, or diseases of the immune system that attack the nerves. We are investigating both the underlying biological processes that contribute to pain relief and the factors that predict whether and how quickly pain will subside," said Professor Heike Rittner, Chair of Pain Medicine at the University Hospital of Würzburg and scientific leader of the research group. The spokesperson for ResolvePAIN is Professor of Neurology Claudia Sommer.

Interdisciplinary team from Würzburg, Leipzig, Berlin and New York

In ResolvePAIN, 21 researchers from academia and clinics are working in nine research groups and a central service project to investigate the mechanisms of pain and its regression in an interdisciplinary manner and with differentiated questions. In Würzburg, the Department of Pain Medicine and the Clinics and Institutes of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neuroradiology, Psychiatry, and Clinical Neurobiology are involved.
The Institute of Biology, Animal and Behavioral Physiology at the University of Leipzig, the Institute of Clinical Physiology - Nutritional Medicine at the Charité - University Medicine Berlin and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York have been recruited as cooperation partners. As a so-called Mercator Fellow, Prof. Paul Geha from the USA supports the research group for two months a year in the search for correlates of chronic pain visible in functional MRI and its regression in the brain.

Bridging the gap between basic research and clinical research 

Several clinical trials are currently underway to study nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, incisional hernia surgery, complex regional pain syndrome and autoimmune neuropathies. In addition, intensive basic research is being conducted, ranging from studies on fruit flies on mechanisms in the spinal cord to cell and tissue models such as neurons derived from IPS cells, 3D models of the dorsal root ganglia and barrier models, to preclinical studies on nerve injury, e.g. in the case of barriers or bortezomib-induced polyneuropathy. Further focal points are neuroimmune mechanisms as well as central processes and the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous system, which are investigated using methods such as fMRI, social interventions, 7 Tesla MRI and microneurography.

The Clinician and Advanced Clinician Scientist programs provide research opportunities for physicians who want to conduct scientific research in addition to their clinical work. "By training research-oriented physicians, we can build long-term bridges between basic research and clinical application," says Heike Rittner. She is proud of her dedicated and diverse teams. With one exception, every project is headed by a woman.

8 million euros for another 4 years 

The jury was convinced by the structures, projects and results achieved so far. In a second funding period, the DFG will support the researchers with more than eight million euros for another four years. 
"This is a unique opportunity to advance pain research in the large team of clinicians and scientists, both mechanistically and diagnostically, so that patients with these diseases can ultimately be helped more precisely. This will make the University Medicine of Würzburg and the Center for Interdisciplinary Pain Research highly visible both nationally and internationally," says Claudia Sommer. 

DFG Research Units

By funding Research Units, the DFG enables researchers to address current and pressing issues in their field and to establish innovative research directions. They are funded for up to eight years. Of the more than 200 research groups currently funded, twelve are Clinical Research Units (CRUs), which are characterized by a close integration of scientific and clinical work. In December, the DFG's Joint Committee decided to establish eight new research groups and to extend the funding of two further research groups and one CRU.

This initiative will explore the mechanisms underlying information processing in the nervous system, employing innovative research strategies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. The project represents a milestone for our research community and promises to advance our understanding of complex neural functions.

What mechanisms underlie neuronal communication?

The Research Training Group, designed under the leadership of Prof. Kittel, will offer unique research opportunities focused on understanding how information is processed in the nervous system through communication between neurons and their partner cells. While the pathways involved are diverse, they share a key feature: adaptability. This adaptability allows for the regulation of signal transmission in response to changing physiological demands. The Research Training Group, Molecular Tuning of Neuronal Communication – NeuroTune, will investigate general structural and functional principles, as well as molecular adaptations that are specific to particular cell types or signaling pathways. The goal is to uncover the intricate mechanisms that underlie neural communication, providing new insights into how the nervous system adjusts and responds to various internal and external stimuli.

Prof. Kittel’s role as spokesperson of the NeuroTune Research Training Group is a significant milestone for both our consortium and the broader fields of neuroscience and pain research. The expertise of the NeuroTune team will guide the next generation of PhD students, fostering an environment of collaboration and interdisciplinary training that will equip them to address some of the most pressing challenges in the field. The success of this Research Training Group will strengthen the connections within our consortium and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to improve patients' lives.

About the DFG Funding for new Research Trainings Groups

On November 18th, 2024, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced the establishment of twelve new Research Training Groups to support early-career scientists. These schools, including NeuroTune, will receive funding for five years starting in October 2025, with a total allocation of approximately 82 million euros. Research Training Groups provide doctoral students the opportunity to complete their PhD within a structured research and qualification program at highest professional level. Currently, the DFG is funding a total of 216 Research Training Groups.

Further information can be found here:

• German Research Foundation (DFG)
• Leipzig University

Congratulations to Dr. rer. nat. Julia Grüner from the working group of Prof. Dr. Nurcan Üçeyler, Senior Consultant in Neurology at the University Hospital of Würzburg. She received the award for pain research at the German Pain Congress in Mannheim on October 17, 2024. Her work “Small fiber neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease mod-el and pilot data” was awarded second place in the “Clinical Research” category. The sponsor of the prize, Grünenthal GmbH, has awarded two second places this year, meaning that Julia Grüner shares the prize money of 3,500 euros.

Her project is about the rare hereditary disease Fabry's disease, which develops gradually and significantly affects the lives of those affected. In Fabry disease, genetic defects prevent the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A from working properly. As a result, fatty compounds, so-called sphingolipids, accumulate in the cells, including in nerve cells, but also in organs such as the heart and kidneys. The first symptoms, such as burning pain in the hands and feet, often occur in childhood. Over time, the perception of temperature also deteriorates.

The award-winning work was the first time that Fabry patients' skin cells were used to generate stem cells that can be converted into nerve cells. In the Petri dish, the team was able to observe how the fat deposits affect the nerve cells. These changes could disrupt the energy balance of the cells and thus cause the pain typical of Fabry. One particularly interesting discovery was that nerve cell activity is altered at elevated temperatures. This could explain why those affected often have more severe pain and a disturbed perception of temperature, particularly when they have a fever. These discoveries open up new approaches to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and to be able to treat it more specifically in future.

Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner, spokesperson for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine (ZiS) and chair pain medicine, and Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer, consultant at the Neurological Clinic and Polyclinic, spent 90 minutes answering questions on all aspects of chronic pain. In a short introductory lecture, the two experts first presented the latest findings and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine and chronic pain in general. Chronic pain is no longer an inevitable fate, but can be favourably influenced by a variety of therapeutic approaches. 

Interdisciplinary Multimodal Therapy and Pain Research 
This therapy is offered at the ZiS in general and individual therapy modules. The Clinical Research Group KFO5001 ResolvePain, which is established here at the University Hospital under the direction of the speakers and is actively conducting pain research, also contributes to the fact that pain therapy in Würzburg – especially for fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – is focus in research and treatment. In ResolvePIAN, there are already initial indications of what constitutes a favourable prognosis for CRPS.
 
After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask their personal questions – an offer that was taken up enthusiastically. With almost 100 questions in the chat, the focus was particularly on the new migraine therapies with CGRP antagonists, as well as on medical and non-medical treatment methods.

A resounding success – to be continued
The initiators and organisers of the evening consultation rated the inaugural event as an enormous success. The high number of participants and the great interest in the topic show how relevant public education about chronic pain is. Participants particularly praised the combination of in-depth information and the opportunity for direct exchange with the experts. 
The ZiS, the University Hospital and the self-help representative Gabriele Nelkenstock are therefore planning to continue the format. The aim is to offer those affected and interested parties constant access to current research results and to promote the exchange between medicine and the public.

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer 
 

He will be the third internationally renowned luminary in pain research to visit the research group under the guidance of Prof. Heike Rittner (MD) and Prof. Claudia Sommer (MD), following in the footsteps of Professors Geha and Price. As with his predecessors, we anticipate an inspiring exchange regarding bilateral research projects and lively discussions concerning the significance and practical implications of the latest research findings.

Prof. Dib-Hajj's specialty lies in sodium channels and their role in the development of chronic pain. Mutations in certain proteins of these voltage-gated ion channels affect the excitability of nociceptors. The excitation threshold of such sensory nerve cells, which receive and transmit electrical pain impulses, is lowered, thereby promoting chronic pain. In his research, the neurobiologist also uses live imaging techniques to visually document the activity of channels in sensory axons.

International recognition

Dr. Dib-Hajj is a Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine and Deputy Director of the Veteran Administration Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut. He completed his undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and earned his doctoral degree at Ohio State University, Columbus. Through numerous publications and the establishment of an extensive research network at academia and industry, he has earned significant international recognition. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the National Disease Research Interchange, a non-profit organization supporting the use of human tissue for research purposes.

During his visit from May 16th to 17th, 2024, Prof. Dib-Hajj will deliver a lecture on his research field titled: "Building excitable membranes in sensory neurons".

More information about Prof. Dib-Hajj's lecture, like time and place, can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.

Further information about Prof. Dib-Hajj and his research. 

Chronic pain is a global problem affecting approximately twenty percent of the world's population. Therefore, intensive research is being conducted on all continents to gain new insights into the origin, molecular changes, biomarkers, and more sophisticated techniques, in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Prof. Dr. Ted Price has specialized particularly in brain plasticity in chronic pain, examining how the brain perceives and processes pain stimuli and the central mechanisms that lead to chronic pain. He has discovered several innovative approaches and is widely recognized as a leading figure in the field of pain research.
Like the CRU 5001, Prof. Dr. Price approaches this task with an interdisciplinary and multifocal focus, working with a larger team of scientists at the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS). The institute is part of the University of Texas in Dallas and cooperates with UT Southwestern.

Guest Lecture and Personal Encounters

The heads of CRU 5001, Prof. Heike Rittner, MD, and Prof. Claudia Sommer, MD, along with all project leaders of the research group, are looking forward to the personal exchange and meeting with the outstanding pain researcher. During his stay, he will visit the individual laboratories and facilities to learn about the specific research activities and results. Dialogues typically result in inspiring inputs for both sides, which directly influence further research.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Price will deliver a lecture on the "Mechanisms of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: Lessons from the human DRG".

Further information about Prof. Dr. Price, his research and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS) 
More information about Prof Price's lecture can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.
 

As part of the annual meeting of the NervClub (a study group for peripheral nerves), a symposium on the main topic of neuropathic pain will be held in Würzburg this year. Professor Dr. med. Mirko Pham, event organizer and Director of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at the University Hospital of Würzburg, cordially invites all those interested in the field and who are dedicated to basic and/or clinical research to attend the conference at February 23, 2024.
During the symposium, distinguished experts from across Germany will meet at the Rudolf Virchow Center on University Hospital campus. Focusing on the complex theme of "Understanding and Treating Neuropathic Pain," the latest insights and discoveries will be discussed, offering an interdisciplinary view on the topic. Fundamental topics will also be covered, from understanding the genesis of peripheral nerve pain and disease models, to advancements in radiological detection methods, successful therapeutic approaches, and options for personalized treatment.

Introductory Lectures by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

The introductory lectures will be delivered by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner. Both lead the Clinical Research Group 5001, ResolvePAIN, and are internationally recognized for their expertise in pain management, extending beyond the borders of Germany. Since November 2023, Prof. Rittner held the distinction of being the sole chair in Pain Medicine in Germany. The speakers will focus their presentations on the clinical concept of neuropathic pain.

Participation is free of charge and possible at short notice. Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site registration on Friday, February 23rd, in the RVZ foyer is also possible.

If you have any further questions or information about travel or accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Doris Solymosi at the following email address:
solymosi_d@ ukw.de.

Additional details about the program and the event

About the NervClub

The NervClub is comprised of clinicians and scientists dedicated to the initiation, development and pursuit of projects in the peripheral nerve field. As such we are a group of handsurgeons, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, neurophysiologists and neuroanatomists dedicated to interdisciplinary exchange, both on a personal and scientific basis in an attempt to enlarge our nerve orientated network.

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