Basic science most often refers to the use of animal models (or related cells and tissues) to better understand the anatomy and physiology related to the experience of pain, and the transition from acute to chronic pain. UAB also has a flourishing program of basic science pain research dedicated to the development of transgenic mouse models as tools of pain research and research related to chronic overlapping pain conditions.
Ongoing Studies
MULTI-MODAL CELL TYPE ATLASES OF SOMATOSENSORY SPINAL CORD NEURONS
(PI: Dr. Lingyong Li; R21NS128600)
The major objective of this proposal is to classify somatosensory neurons in a more integrated manner by capturing the transcriptomic, electrophysiological, and morphological properties of individual neurons in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) using the Patch-seq technique. The SDH is critical for processing distinct modalities of sensation, such as touch, temperature, chemical, itch, and pain. Neurons in SDH are heterogenous and composed of a vast majority of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons that exhibit a wide range of morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic properties. Cell-type classification in the SDH provides a logistical and conceptual framework for understanding how cells and circuits govern somatic sensation.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Lingyong Li
ALTERNATIVE POLYADENYLATION (APA) MECHANISMS OF COMORBID MOOD DISORDERS IN CHRONIC PAIN
(PI: Dr. Lingyong Li; R21NS130325)
The primary objective of this project is to determine the alternative polyadenylation (APA) mechanisms underlying comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms in chronic pain. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are frequently observed in patients with chronic pain. These 'comorbid' mood disorders are clinically difficult to treat, and they can significantly intensify patient suffering. Because the critical role of dysregulated APA-mediated gene expression changes in comorbid mood disorders has not been recognized previously, our use of APA machinery to answer these questions could transform our knowledge of how APA dysregulation defines and contributes to comorbid mood disorders in chronic pain.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Lingyong Li
MECHANISM OF NOCICEPTION INDUCED BY INNOCUOUS COLD IN TRIGEMINAL SYSTEM
(PI: Dr. Jianguo Gu; R01DE018661)
The overall objectives of this study are to examine the role of low-threshold voltage-gated potassium (KLT) channels in controlling cold sensitivity of nociceptive (pain) cold-sensing trigeminal neurons under both physiological and trigeminal neuropathic conditions and to explore the therapeutic use of KLT channel potentiators for treating orofacial cold allodynia and hyperalgesia.
CELLULAR AND ION CHANNEL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE SENSE OF LIGHT TOUCH IN MAMMAL
(PI: Dr. Jianguo Gu; R01DE023090)
A Merkel disc is the main type of tactile end-organ located in touch-sensitive spots throughout the body but most abundant at the human fingertips and whisker hair follicles of all non-primate mammals. This study has three primary objectives as follows:
- Elucidate mechanisms underlying the modulation of Merkel disc tactile sensitivity.
- Determine whether and how chemotherapy drugs impair Merkel disc tactile sensitivity.
- Determine whether targeting Merkel discs by chemotherapy drugs leads to impairment of behavioral tactile responses including pain.
ION CHANNELS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS AT THE NODE OF RANVIER OF MAMMALIAN SOMATOSENSORY AFFERENT FIBERS
(PI: Dr. Jianguo Gu; R01NS109059)
The study has three primary objectives as follows:
- Characterize two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels and elucidate their molecular identities at the node of Ranvier of rat somatosensory afferent fibers.
- Study-specific roles of K2P channels in securing saltatory conduction at the node of Ranvier of rat somatosensory afferent fibers.
- Elucidate that K2P channels at the node of Ranvier play a key role in temperature-dependent saltatory conduction on rat somatosensory afferent fibers.