Head

Our group focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of pain. We are particularly interested in changes in neuronal communication within the spinal cord, which underlie the generation of chronic pathological pain in inflammatory and neuropathic diseases. At present we focus on the contribution of inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission to spinal pain control mechanisms. To address these topics we employ a multidisciplinary approach including electrophysiological recordings and functional imaging in spinal cord slices as well as the generation of genetically modified mice and their analysis in behavioral tests. Our research aims at a better understanding of the mechanisms of pain and on the identification of novel targets for analgesics.