{"database":"GEO","file_versions":[{"headers":{"Content-Type":["application/json"]},"body":{"files":{"Other":["ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/series/GSE344nnn/GSE344871/"]},"type":"primary"},"statusCodeValue":200,"statusCode":"OK"}],"scores":null,"additional":{"omics_type":["Other"],"species":["Mus musculus"],"gds_type":["Other"],"full_dataset_link":["https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE344871"],"repository":["GEO"],"entry_type":["GSE"],"additional_accession":[]},"is_claimable":false,"name":"A molecular and spinal circuit basis for the functional segregation of itch and pain","description":"The dorsal horn is remarkably diverse, yet how this cellular complexity enables discrimination of sensory modalities remains a fundamental question. Neurons expressing gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (Grpr+) have long been considered dedicated to itch, yet broad activation also evokes pain-related behavior. Whether Grpr+ neurons are required for pain, and how itch- and pain-related functions are organized within this population remain unresolved. Here, we show that Grpr+ neurons comprise functionally distinct subpopulations defined by tachykinin-1 (Tac1) and correspond to species-conserved transcriptomic subtypes. Convergent loss- and gain-of-function approaches show the Tac1− subpopulation is required for chemical itch, whereas a bombesin-insensitive, Tac1 enriched population is necessary for mechanical hypersensitivity across diverse injury states. Computationally identified enhancers provide subtype-enriched genetic access, confirming their roles in itch, mechanical hypersensitivity, and sustained pain. The findings resolve functional diversity within the Grpr+ population, including identification of a convergent node for mechanical hypersensitivity and provide subtype-enriched tools for further investigation.","dates":{"publication":"2026/09/28"},"accession":"GSE344871","cross_references":{"GSM":["GSM9986814","GSM9986815","GSM9986813"],"GPL":["33896"],"GSE":["344871"],"taxon":["Mus musculus"]}}