Saad S. Nagi

Central role for fast nociceptors in mechanical nocifensive behavior and sensitization

This study identifies fast-conducting mechano-nociceptors as essential for mechanical nocifensive behaviors and sensitization in mice and humans.

Rapid peripheral reprogramming of myelinated afferents drives human hyperalgesia

The paper shows that TRPV1+ afferents rapidly reprogram TRPV1- Aβ afferents, leading to hyperalgesia in humans.

A Reference Atlas of the Human Dorsal Root Ganglion

This paper constructs a human dorsal root ganglion reference atlas, identifying 22 neuronal subtypes and 10 non-neuronal cell types, and reveals functional differences between human and mouse DRG neurons.

A fast nociceptive subsystem mediating rapid reflexive behavior but not affective pain

The paper identifies a fast nociceptive pathway that mediates rapid reflexive behavior but not affective pain.

Single-Soma Deep RNA sequencing of Human DRG Neurons Reveals Novel Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Somatosensation

This study develops a method to sequence individual human DRG neuron somas, identifies 16 neuronal types, and reveals human-specific nociceptor types and potential drug targets.

Experimental nerve block study on painful withdrawal reflex responses in humans

This study investigates the effect of blocking Aβ fibers on pain perception and nociceptive withdrawal reflexes in humans, finding that Aβ fibers may contribute to pain and reflex signaling.

Mechanoreceptive Aβ primary afferents discriminate naturalistic social touch inputs at a functionally relevant time scale

The paper shows that SA-II and HFA afferents can distinguish social touch inputs with high accuracy using 3-4 seconds of firing data, outperforming other afferent types.

Human foot outperforms the hand in mechanical pain discrimination

The paper compares mechanical pain discrimination between the hand and foot, finding the foot performs better, which cannot be explained by peripheral nociceptor activity.

PIEZO2-dependent rapid pain system in humans and mice.

The paper identifies PIEZO2-dependent mechanical pain in humans and mice, showing hair-pull pain is mediated by Aβ inputs and specific nociceptors.

Investigations into an overlooked early component of painful nociceptive withdrawal reflex responses in humans

The paper investigates short-latency nociceptive withdrawal reflex responses in humans and finds they are as painful as conventional latency responses, suggesting they may be mediated by ultrafast nociceptors.

Tactile sensory channels over-ruled by frequency decoding system that utilizes spike pattern regardless of receptor type

The paper shows that spiking patterns, not receptor type, determine vibrotactile frequency perception, suggesting a universal frequency decoding system.