Rohini Kuner

Early-life adversity mediates a thalamo-amgydalar circuit dysfunction underlying chronic pain and anxiety

This study identifies a thalamo-amgydalar circuit dysfunction caused by early-life adversity that contributes to chronic pain and anxiety in female mice.

PRE-INJURY MECHANORECEPTOR ABLATION REDUCES NOCICEPTOR-DRIVEN SPINAL CORD INJURY-INDUCED NEUROPATHIC PAIN

This study investigates the role of mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain, finding that early mechanoreceptor ablation reduces pain behavior, while nociceptor hyperexcitability and sprouting are key drivers of pain.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex Bidirectionally Modulates Sensory Gain and Nociceptive Behavior in a Layer-Specific Manner

This study shows that layer 5 and 6 neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex modulate sensory gain and nociceptive behavior in opposite ways.

Recombinant dimeric PDZ protein inhibitors for long-term relief of chronic pain by AAV therapeutics

This paper develops AAV-delivered dimeric peptide inhibitors of PICK1 to alleviate neuropathic pain in mice, showing long-term relief without adverse effects.

Loss of secondary motor cortex neurons in chronic neuropathic pain

The paper identifies neuronal loss in the secondary motor cortex as a mechanism underlying chronic neuropathic pain using longitudinal in vivo imaging.

Neuron-astrocyte metabolic coupling facilitates spinal plasticity and maintenance of persistent pain

This study shows that spinal astrocytic glycogen dynamics, regulated by PTG, are critical for maintaining persistent pain through neuronal plasticity and metabolic coupling with neurons.