The search for new pain related genes using a new pain model mouse

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K20112
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Anesthesiology
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: TERADA YUKI 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (90745431)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 疼痛 / 機械刺激 / 神経栄養因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We accidentally identified the transgenic mouse that differ in the response to various noxious stimuli (heat stimulation, mechanical stimulation, chemical stimulation). So we analyzed the pain-related behavior and causative genes of this mouse. We aimed for creating the mechanism of a new pain generation and transmission and the elucidation of and the identification of the neuro-immunity relation.
After examining the response to various pain stimuli of this genetically modified mouse, the insertion position of the transgene into the chromosome was identified. After that, analysis of expression variation genes by transgene insertion was carried out, and multiple target genes were identified successfully.
Among multiple factors, we have created a knockout mouse with a particularly interesting target gene that has not ever been reported in relation to pain, and are analyzing for the purpose of elucidating the mechanism.

Free Research Field

疼痛学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

疼痛の発生メカニズム及び神経系における伝達機構は多様でありその全貌は明らかではない。さらに一部の疼痛は治療抵抗性であり患者の生命の質を著しく低下させている。本研究により得られる結果は、疼痛発生・伝達メカニズムに新たな視点を与えると共に、治療または薬剤開発の一助になる可能性を秘めていると考えられる。