Lijun Qi

Targeting Gi/o-coupled GPCRs to inhibit nociceptors: insights from the serotonin receptor Htr1b and triptans

The paper identifies Gi/o-coupled GPCRs in nociceptors and shows that Htr1b agonists like triptans reduce neuronal excitability and pain in models, suggesting new analgesic targets.

DRG afferents that mediate physiologic and pathologic mechanosensation from the distal colon

The paper identifies distinct subsets of DRG neurons innervating the distal colon with different mechanosensitivity thresholds, showing their role in physiological and pathological responses to colon distension.

Krause corpuscles of the genitalia are vibrotactile sensors required for normal sexual behavior

This study identifies Krause corpuscles as vibrotactile sensors in the genitalia essential for normal sexual behavior in mice.

A DRG genetic toolkit reveals molecular, morphological, and functional diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes

The paper develops a genetic toolkit to study DRG neuron subtypes, revealing their molecular, morphological, and functional diversity in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli.