Lindsay L. Ejoh

Differential modulation of aversive signaling by expectation across the cingulate cortex

The paper uses calcium imaging in mice to show that the retrosplenial cortex flexibly reorganizes during shock prediction, while the anterior cingulate cortex encodes ongoing nociception and defensive behavior.

Convergent state-control of endogenous opioid analgesia

The paper identifies a functional dichotomy in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, showing that micro opioid receptor neurons encode nociceptive states while enkephalin-releasing neurons drive pain relief in various contexts.

Mimicking opioid analgesia in cortical pain circuits

The paper identifies a cortical circuit in mice modulated by opioids and develops a gene therapy to mimic opioid analgesia for chronic pain.

Anatomical and molecular organization of the nociceptive medial thalamus

This paper creates an anatomical and molecular atlas of the nociceptive medial thalamus, identifying a distinct population of opioid receptor-expressing neurons involved in pain processing.

A nociceptive amygdala-striatal pathway for chronic pain aversion

This study identifies a BLAnoci ensemble in the basolateral amygdala that mediates both acute and chronic pain behavior through a novel amygdala-striatal circuit involving the nucleus accumbens shell.

Identification of touch neurons underlying dopaminergic pleasurable touch and sexual receptivity

The paper identifies Mrgprb4-lineage neurons as critical for sexual receptivity and dopaminergic reward from social touch in mice.

Optogenetic inhibition of colon epithelium reduces hypersensitivity in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease

This study inhibits the colon epithelium and primary afferent neurons in a mouse model of IBD to assess their role in pain hypersensitivity, finding both reduce visceral sensitivity.