To identify the mechanisms responsible for the molecular, morphological and functional plasticity changes that occur in neuropathic pain conditions we use multidisciplinary and innovative technologies. We are developing behavioral tests and combine this with state-of-the-art electrophysiology and molecular biology to investigate the long-term modifications to the peripheral and central nervous systems. We recently added to our expertise with high-throughput multi-electrode array electrophysiological screening as well as optogenetic approaches. Our main research program is Activity-Dependent plasticity in pathological pain. We mainly focus on three topics:
- First, we want to understand the mechanisms responsible for the hyperexcitability occurring in the peripheral neurons in both injured and uninjured neurons.
- Second, we aim to discover the role of sustained activation of nociceptors in the passage from acute to persistent pain state.
- And finally, we want to explore the involvement of neuron-glia crosstalk in neuropathic pain.
