This seminar will be rescheduled.
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Stanford University
Title: "Integrative analysis of descending pain modulation"
Abstract: The level of perceived pain can be strongly influenced by cognition and mood, implying the existence of powerful endogenous neural system for top-down modulation of pain. The periaqueductal gray (PAG)-rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) system have been established as an important node in the descending pain modulation network. Classic studies classified neurons in this system into ON-, OFF-, and Neutral cells based on whether they are activated, inhibited or unaffected by nociceptive stimuli. However, lacking of genetic access to these cell types prevent further dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how each cell type contribute to somatosensation and pain. In this talk, I will discuss our efforts to bridging this knowledge gap and the identification of novel targets for treating chronic pain.
Host: Dr. Raju Tomer
