Pain and itch processing by subpopulations of molecularly diverse spinal and trigeminal projection neurons.

ABSTRACT: A remarkable molecular and functional heterogeneity of the primary sensory neurons and dorsal horn interneurons transmits pain- and or itch-relevant information, but the molecular signature of the projection neurons that convey the messages to the brain is unclear. Here, using retro-TRAP (translating ribosome affinity purification) and RNA sequencing, we reveal extensive molecular diversity of spino- and trigeminoparabrachial projection neurons. Among the many genes identified, we highlight distinct subsets of Cck⁺ -, Nptx2⁺ -, Nmb⁺ -, and Crh⁺ -expressing projection neurons. By combining in situ hybridization of retrogradely labeled neurons with Fos-based assays, we also demonstrate signifi

SUBMITTER: Wercberger R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8285968 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature