Investigation of new pain mechanisms focusing on membrane trafficking

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18303
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55050:Anesthesiology-related
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Terada Yuki 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 研究員 (90745431)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: SNX25 / マクロファージ / 神経成長因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed in detail the genetically modified mice with dramatically attenuated responses to pain stimuli that we discovered by chance. We paid particular attention to the SNX25 gene, which we identified, and found that mice lacking the SNX25 gene had a blunted pain sensation. Mice with macrophage-selective loss of the SNX25 gene had a blunted pain sensation even without skin damage, indicating that macrophages, which work to eliminate foreign substances in the skin, also work to regulate nerve sensitivity. This research results were published in Nature Immunology in January 2023.

Free Research Field

疼痛学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

今回の研究結果は皮膚において異物排除に働くマクロファージが神経の感度調節にも働いていることを示しており、痛みを抑える新たな薬物の開発にもつながる新しい発見だと考えられる。