Project Details
Projekt
Brain stem circuits for pain regulation and resolution
Applicants
Professorin Dr. Grit Hein; Professor Dr. Philip Tovote
Subject Area
Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
Anaesthesiology
Anaesthesiology
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426503586
Chronic pain has been linked to the plasticity of brain stem circuitries centred around the brainstem periaqueductal grey (PAG), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this project, we use high‐field 7T imaging in humans and modern cell‐type specific circuit approaches in mice to investigate the modulation of pain states by PAG circuitries with a focus on its role in pain resolution. Specifically, we address the social (WP1) and learning‐related modulation of pain processing (WP2 and WP3) in PAG and co‐activated brain regions. In humans, pain extinction learning will be investigated in two different chronic pain conditions, namely complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), compared to healthy control subjects. Learning parameters will be linked to peripheral pain markers. In animals, chronic constriction injury (CCI) will be used to model chronic neuropathic pain states in mice and activity of selected PAG neuron populations will be recorded using miniscope‐assisted deep brain calcium imaging. Pain‐related short‐lasting micro‐ and long‐lasting macrostates will be assessed using standard nociception assays as well as measures of integrated cardio‐behavioural dynamics. The results will specify top‐down influences of brain stem circuitries on peripheral pain and pain resolution.
DFG Programme
Clinical Research Units
