Rajesh Khanna

Vertical climbing in mice: a translationally relevant measure of pain-related impact on natural behaviour

This study demonstrates that vertical climbing in mice is a reliable and translationally relevant measure of pain-related functional impairment across multiple pain models.

Peripheral NaV1.7 modulation reveals divergent peripheral and central adaptations in persistent trigeminal pain

This study investigates the effects of modulating the CRMP2-Nav1.7 interaction on trigeminal neuropathic pain, showing behavioral improvement without normalizing central pain circuit activity.

A mouse model of myotonic dystrophy type 1 exhibits pain-like behavior and peripheral nociceptor hyperexcitability

This study identifies peripheral nociceptor hyperexcitability as a mechanism underlying pain in DM1 using a mouse model.

NaV1.7-dependent peripheral sensitization drives chronic pain in Parkinson's disease

This study identifies NaV1.7-dependent peripheral sensitization as a mechanism of chronic pain in Parkinson's disease and highlights CRMP2 regulation of NaV1.7 as a therapeutic target.

Myotonic Muscle Activity Drives a Persistent Pain State Responsive to NaV1.8-directed Analgesics

This study shows that transient myotonia can cause long-lasting pain by altering nociceptive processing and identifies NaV1.8 as a target for analgesics.

Neuropilin-1 in CGRP Afferents Is Required for VEGFA-Driven Pain and Baseline Nociceptive Sensitivity

This study shows that NRP1 in CGRP afferents is required for VEGFA-driven pain and baseline nociception in mice.

Identifying interactions between TDP-43 N-terminal and RNA binding domains

This study identifies interdomain interactions between the N-terminal and RNA binding domains of TDP-43 using NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling.

Enabling wider access to human molecular neuroscience research in pain: A simple preservation method for human dorsal root ganglion neurons in Hibernate A media

This paper introduces a method to preserve human dorsal root ganglion neurons using Hibernate media, enabling easier access and transport for research.

Mechanism, and treatment of anti-CV2/CRMP5 autoimmune pain

This study investigates how anti-CV2/CRMP5 autoantibodies cause pain in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and identifies potential treatments.

A synthetic potassium channel reduces oxidative stress 1 via cellular adaptronics

The paper introduces a synthetic potassium channel that senses and mitigates oxidative stress by modulating membrane potential in cells and organelles.

Parabrachial bombesin receptor subtype 3 neurons facilitate heat hypersensitivity in persistent pain

This study identifies Brs3-expressing neurons in the parabrachial nucleus as a key population involved in heat hypersensitivity during persistent pain.

Uncoupling the CRMP2-CaV2.2 interaction reduces pain-like behavior in a preclinical osteoarthritis model

This study shows that CBD3063, a CRMP2 modulator, reduces OA pain in rodents by decreasing CaV2.2 membrane expression and neural activity.

Genetic editing of primary human dorsal root ganglion neurons using CRISPR-Cas9 with functional confirmation

This paper describes a non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 transfection method for editing primary human dorsal root ganglion neurons and confirms edits at genomic, protein, and functional levels.

A parabrachial hub for the prioritization of survival behavior

The paper identifies parabrachial neurons expressing the NPY Y1 receptor as a hub that suppresses sustained pain through NPY signaling.

Neuropilin-1 is a co-receptor for NGF and TrkA-evoked pain

This paper identifies NRP1 as a co-receptor for NGF and TrkA pain signaling and shows that targeting NRP1 or GIPC1 can reduce chronic pain without opioid use.

Intranasal CRMP2-Ubc9 Inhibitor Regulates NaV1.7 to Alleviate Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain

The paper develops a CRMP2-Ubc9 inhibitor that reduces NaV1.7 activity and alleviates trigeminal neuropathic pain in rats.

A new polymodal gating model of the proton-activated chloride channel

This study identifies polymodal gating mechanisms in the proton-activated chloride channel using pharmacological and computational approaches.

Identification and targeting of a unique NaV1.7 domain driving chronic pain

The paper identifies a unique NaV1.7 domain that can be targeted to produce analgesia by disrupting its interaction with CRMP2.

A CLN6-CRMP2-KLC4 complex regulates anterograde ER-derived vesicle trafficking in cortical neurites

This study identifies a novel CCK complex involving CLN6, CRMP2, and KLC4 that regulates ER-derived vesicle transport in axons, with implications for neurodegenerative disease therapy.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein hijacks VEGF-A/Neuropilin-1 receptor signaling to induce analgesia

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein blocks VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling, reducing pain and potentially contributing to asymptomatic transmission.

Studies on CRMP2 SUMOylation-deficient transgenic mice reveal novel insights into the trafficking of NaV1.7 channels

This study shows that non-SUMOylated CRMP2 forms an endocytic complex to internalize NaV1.7 channels, and inhibiting this complex restores sodium currents in mice with neuropathic pain.

In silico identification and validation of inhibitors of the interaction between neuropilin receptor 1 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein

The paper identifies and validates small molecule and natural product inhibitors targeting the VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction, with potential applications in treating neuropathic pain, cancer, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Studies on CRMP2 SUMOylation-deficient transgenic mice identify sex-specific NaV1.7 regulation in the pathogenesis of chronic neuropathic pain

This study shows that preventing CRMP2 SUMOylation reduces mechanical allodynia in female neuropathic pain models but not in males or other pain types.

Validating indicators of CNS disorders in a swine model of neurological disease

The paper validates CNS-related antibodies in a miniswine model of neurofibromatosis type 1 to support translational research.

TMEM184b is necessary for IL-31 induced itch

This study identifies Tmem184b as essential for IL-31-induced itch by regulating pruriceptive gene expression and Wnt signaling in DRG neurons.

Dynamic CRMP2 regulation of CaV2.2 in the prefrontal cortex contributes to the reinstatementof cocaine seeking

This study investigates how CRMP2 and CaV2.2 interactions in the prefrontal cortex influence cocaine-seeking behavior and relapse.

TAF1-gene editing impairs Purkinje cell morphology and function

This paper develops a novel rat model for TAF1 ID syndrome using CRISPR-Cas9 and lentiviral transduction, showing Purkinje cell hypoplasia and behavioral deficits.

Targeting the CaV - interaction yields a selective antagonist of the N-type CaV2.2 channel with broad antinociceptive efficacy

The paper identifies a novel CaV2.2 channel antagonist with broad antinociceptive effects and reduced side effects in pain models.

Sex-dependent differences in pain and sleep in a porcine model of Neurofibromatosis type 1

This study characterizes pain and sleep behaviors in a porcine model of NF1, identifying sex-dependent differences and potential therapeutic targets.

Restoration of Kv7 channel mediated inhibition reduces cued-reinstatement of cocaine seeking

This study identifies a subpopulation of prelimbic cortex neurons that become hyperexcitable after chronic cocaine exposure, and shows that restoring Kv7 channel function reduces cue-induced cocaine seeking.