Work

Pain and itch processing by subpopulations of molecularly diverse spinal and trigeminal projection neurons

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT A remarkable molecular and functional heterogeneity of the primary sensory neurons and dorsal horn interneurons transmits pain- and or itch-relevant information, but the molecular signature of the projection neurons that convey the messages to the brain is unclear. Here, using retro-TRAP (translating ribosome affinity purification) and RNA-seq we reveal extensive molecular diversity of spino- and trigeminoparabrachial projection neurons, which to date are almost exclusively defined by their expression of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Among the many genes identified, we highlight distinct subsets of Cck +, Nptx2 +, Nmb +, and Crh + expressing projection neurons. By combining in situ hybridization of retrogradely labeled neurons with Fos-based assays we also demonstrate significant functional heterogeneity, including both convergence and segregation of pain- and itch-provoking inputs onto molecularly diverse subsets of NK1R- and non-NK1R-expressing projection neurons. The current study provides the first comprehensive investigation into the molecular profiles and functional properties of projection neuron subtypes.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105732118

Authors: Racheli Wercberger, Joao M. Braz, Jarret A. Weinrich, Allan I. Basbaum

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Pain Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green