Modulating oscillatory rhythms and their origins in GABAergic circuitry towards pain relief (human-rodent tandem) (B06)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 255156212

Oscillatory rhythms play a key role in the brain processing of pain. Hence, modulating oscillatory brain rhythms could help to alleviate pain. We will therefore investigate how modulations of oscillatory brain rhythms affect the perception of pain and the activity of underlying brain networks. In the human part, we will apply novel EEG-based neurofeedback paradigms to modulate alpha oscillations in primary sensorimotor cortex to eventually modulate pain. In the rodent part, we will employ manipulations to entrain alpha oscillations and/or hinder gamma oscillations to analyse neurobiological mechanisms. Together, the tandem project aims towards identifying and improving modulations of oscillatory brain rhythms that can serve as novel treatment approaches for pain.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1158: From nociception to chronic pain: Structure-function properties of neural pathways and their reorganisation
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Rohini Kuner; Professorin Dr. Hannah Monyer, until 6/2023; Professor Dr. Markus Ploner, since 7/2023