C-Maf-positive spinal cord neurons are critical elements of a dorsal horn circuit for mechanical hypersensitivity in neuropathy.

ABSTRACT: Corticospinal tract (CST) neurons innervate the deep spinal dorsal horn to sustain chronic neuropathic pain. The majority of neurons targeted by the CST are interneurons expressing the transcription factor c-Maf. Here, we used intersectional genetics to decipher the function of these neurons in dorsal horn sensory circuits. We find that excitatory c-Maf (c-Maf^EX) neurons receive sensory input mainly from myelinated fibers and target deep dorsal horn parabrachial projection neurons and superficial dorsal horn neurons, thereby connecting non-nociceptive input to nociceptive output structures. Silencing c-Maf^EX neurons has little effect in healthy mice but alleviates mechanical hypersensitivity in neuropathic mice. c-Maf^EX neurons also receive input from inhib

SUBMITTER: Frezel N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10157139 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature