Prof. Dr. Daniela Mauceri
Department of Neurobiology, Bioscience Faculty, Heidelberg University
Prof. Dr. Carmen Ruiz-de-Almodovar
European Center for Angioscience, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
Pain-associated epigenetic alterations and spinal sensitization: role of the neurovascular unit
Long-lasting alterations of epigenetic processes in dorsal horn are causally linked to sensitization in chronic pain. How these long-lasting changes are modulated is still not defined. Alterations in the neurovascular unit (NVU) have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of chronic pain. Moreover, how the NVU might impact neuronal epigenetic processes, thereby sustaining maladaptive changes, is also elusive.
Key Questions:
- 1. Is the NVU in the spinal cord altered in chronic pain?
- 2. Which NVU related factors are affecting epigenetic changes in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons?
- 3.Do alterations of the NVU functionality contribute to epigenetic changes and to the establishment and maintenance of hypersensitivity?”