Alexander Theodore Chesler

Intersectional genetic targeting of molecularly distinct melanin-concentrating hormone neuron subpopulations reveals distinct and overlapping subcircuit architecture

The paper identifies two molecularly distinct MCH neuron subpopulations in the LHA and characterizes their unique and overlapping anatomical projections using genetic and imaging approaches.

Deep-tissue mechanosensation emerges from the interaction of external force and internal tissue state

The paper identifies three types of sensory neurons in the masseter muscle that respond to mechanical stimulation and shows how inflammation alters their response to massage.

Nociceptors use multiple neurotransmitters to drive pain

The paper shows that nociceptors use both glutamate and neuropeptides to transmit pain signals, with redundancy in their signaling pathways.

Pain persists in mice lacking both Substance P and CGRPα signaling

This study shows that mice lacking both Substance P and CGRP signaling still exhibit normal pain responses, indicating these peptides are not essential for pain transmission.

Pericyte-tumor crosstalk facilitates metastatic tumor cell latency through PIEZO1-activated lysophospholipid transfer.

This study shows pericyte-tumor interactions promote metastatic tumor cell dormancy via PIEZO1-mediated lysophospholipid transfer, enhancing persistence and relapse risk.

Trigeminal innervation and tactile responses in mouse tongue

This study investigates the neural basis of mechanosensation in the mouse tongue, identifying Piezo2+ trigeminal neurons and distinct mechanoreceptor types in lingual papillae.

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.

PIEZO2 in somatosensory neurons controls gastrointestinal transit

The paper shows that PIEZO2 in dorsal root ganglia neurons regulates gut motility by sensing mechanical stretch, affecting gastrointestinal transit.

Excessive Mechanotransduction in Sensory Neurons Causes Joint Contractures in a Mouse Model of Arthrogryposis

The paper shows that a gain-of-function PIEZO2 mutation in sensory neurons causes joint contractures in mice, and that Botox and dietary fatty acids can alleviate these defects.

A spinoparabrachial circuit defined by Tacr1 expression drives pain

The paper identifies a spinoparabrachial circuit involving Tacr1-expressing neurons that modulates ongoing pain responses and suppresses itch.

HESC-derived sensory neurons reveal an unexpected role for PIEZO2 in nociceptor mechanotransduction

The paper generates hESC-derived nociceptor-like cells and shows they exhibit mechano-nociceptive characteristics requiring PIEZO2 for mechanotransduction.