Single-cell transcriptomics reveals probiotic reversal of neonatal morphine-induced gene disruptions underlying adolescent pain hypersensitivity.

ABSTRACT: Neonatal morphine is commonly administered in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to manage pain. However, its long-term effects on the neurodevelopment of pain pathways remain a significant concern. The midbrain is a core region that plays a central role in pain processing and opioid-mediated analgesia. Here, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing to study gene expression in 107,427 midbrain single cells from adolescent mice neonatally exposed to either saline, morphine, or morphine with the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis) for 5 days starting on postnatal day 6-7. We find broad alterations in transcriptomics within neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells. Analysis of differentially regulated genes reveals down regulation of HOX genes and upregulatio

SUBMITTER: Tao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12696108 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature