title: The search for novel analgesics: re-examining spinal cord circuits with new tools.
abstract: In this perspective, we propose the absence of detailed information regarding spinal cord circuits that process sensory information remains a major barrier to advancing analgesia. We highlight recent advances showing that functionally discrete populations of neurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn (DH) play distinct roles in processing sensory information. We then discuss new molecular, electrophysiological, and optogenetic techniques that can be employed to understand how DH circuits process tactile and nociceptive information. We believe this information can drive the development of entirely new classes of pharmacotherapies that target key elements in spinal circuits to selectively modify sensory function and blunt pain.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Kelly M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jessica F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Madden
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Callister
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Brett A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Graham
keywords: dorsal horn; genetic profiling; interneuron; optogenetics