Kelly M. Smith

Identification of a convergent spinal neuron population that encodes itch

The paper identifies a GRPR-expressing spinal neuron population that encodes itch and shows that kappa opioid receptor agonists inhibit itch by targeting these neurons.

Calretinin-expressing islet cells: a source of pre- and post-synaptic inhibition of non-peptidergic nociceptor input to the mouse spinal cord

The delta-opioid receptor bidirectionally modulates itch

This study shows that delta-opioid receptor agonists suppress itch while antagonists induce itch, revealing DOR's role in itch modulation in the spinal cord.

Medullary kappa-opioid receptor neurons inhibit pain and itch through a descending circuit

The paper identifies RVM neurons expressing the kappa-opioid receptor that inhibit pain and itch via a descending circuit in mice.

Population Imaging of Central Sensitization

The paper uses two-photon calcium imaging and pharmacological profiling to identify neuronal populations involved in capsaicin-induced central sensitization.

Optogenetic evaluation of the ability of different cutaneous C-fiber afferents to evoke aversive behaviors

The paper uses optogenetics to assess how non-peptidergic C-fiber afferents contribute to aversive behaviors before and after nerve injury.

Calretinin positive neurons form an excitatory amplifier network in the spinal cord dorsal horn

This study identifies calretinin-positive neurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn as part of an excitatory network that amplifies pain signals and is a potential target for analgesic therapies.