This study shows that loss of either SUR1 or Kir6.2 subunits in neurons increases dorsal root ganglion excitability and reduces morphine antinociception in mice.

bioRxiv · Oct 28, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) restores ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activity after chronic opioid exposure

Amanda H. Klein, Sabbir Alam, Kayla Johnson, Christian Kriner, Brie Beck, Bethany Theresa Nelson, Cassidy Hill, Belle Meyer, Jonas Mellang, Val J. Watts

This study shows that inhibiting AC1 and EPAC restores KATP channel activity after chronic opioid exposure, reducing morphine tolerance and withdrawal.

bioRxiv · Feb 3, 2025 · PreprintNeuroscience

Loss of ATP-sensitive channel expression and function decreases opioid sensitivity in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

Cole Fisher, Kayla Johnson, Madelyn N. Moore, Amir Sadrati, Jody L. Janecek, Melanie L. Graham, Amanda H. Klein

This study shows that reduced KATP channel expression in diabetic mice decreases opioid sensitivity and antinociception, with partial recovery through SUR1 upregulation.

bioRxiv · Sep 6, 2023 · PreprintNeuroscience

Reduced activity of Adenylyl Cyclase 1 Attenuates Morphine Induced Hyperalgesia and Inflammatory Pain in Mice

Kayla Johnson, Alexis Doucette, Alexis Edwards, Aleeya Verdi, Ryan McFarland, Shelby Hulke, Amanda Fowler, Val J. Watts, Amanda H. Klein

This study shows reducing Adenylyl Cyclase 1 activity decreases morphine-induced hyperalgesia and inflammatory pain in mice without affecting morphine's analgesic effects.

Frontiers in Pharmacology · Sep 2, 2022Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Loss of SUR1 subtype KATP channels alters antinociception and locomotor activity after opioid administration

Gerald Sakamaki, Kayla Johnson, Megan E. Mensinger, Eindray Hmu, Amanda H. Klein

This study investigates the role of SUR1-subtype KATP channels in opioid-induced antinociception and hyperlocomotion, finding attenuated antinociception and potentiated hyperlocomotion in SUR1-deficient mice.

Behavioural Brain Research · Jul 15, 2021Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Pruriception and neuronal coding in nociceptor subtypes in human and nonhuman primates

Amanda H. Klein, Hans Jürgen Solinski, Nathalie M. Malewicz, Hada Fong-ha Ieong, Elizabeth I. Sypek, Steven G. Shimada, Timothy V. Hartke, Matthew Wooten, Gang Wu, Xinzhong Dong, Mark A. Hoon, Robert H. LaMotte, Matthias Ringkamp

The paper investigates pruriception and neuronal coding in nociceptor subtypes in humans and nonhuman primates, finding differences in pruritogen activation and responses compared to rodents.

eLife · Apr 23, 2021Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-cyclic GMP-c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway attenuates the development of morphine tolerance in a mouse model of neuropathic pain

Travis Okerman, Taylor Jurgenson, Madelyn N. Moore, Amanda H. Klein

This study shows that inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-cGMP-JNK pathway reduces morphine tolerance in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Molecular Pain · Jan 1, 2021Peer-reviewedNeuroscience