Research Projects

Mechanisms of Vulvodynia Involving Dysregulation of Pro-Resolving Lipids

Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is characterized by acute and lasting pain in response to light touch of the vulvar vestibule (area immediately surrounding the vaginal opening), which is associated with a reduction in quality of life. Although women afflicted with LPV experience profound pain that negatively impacts their sexual health, they show no overt signs of disease.

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Discovery of Novel Targets for Non-Opioid Pain Therapy

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition of the vulva that afflicts 9-18% of US women. Most patients suffer from localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV), characterized by severe and lasting pain with light touch to specific vulvar sites near the vaginal opening. This impairs the woman’s ability to engage in a sexual relationship, use a tampon, ride a bike, or even walk, causing a profound decline in quality of life. Although evidence exists to support the use of any approved vulvodynia therapy, most only mitigate the symptoms of pain and do not target the poorly elucidated causes of disease. There is no effective medical therapy.

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Role of Scarring in Lichenoid Disease

Over the last decade, multiple findings have illuminated the importance of the regulation of protein expression at the level of mRNA translation. mRNA is no longer considered a simple courier of genetic information between DNA and protein. For example, numerous studies begin to reveal that structured elements within the mRNA play a critical role in modulating the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein.

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