Invention novelty: Project neurons in the spinal cord play essential role in transmitting and modulating pain and itch signals from the periphery. NK1 is the receptor of the major pain and itch neurotransmitter peptide substance P. NK1 is expressed in the project neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Dysfunction of these neurons often leads to various pathological conditions including chronic pain and itch. Therefore, NK1-positive neurons are major target for drug development of treating chronic pain and itch. Currently, no one has developed a method to genetically manipulate NK1-positive neurons prior to development by JHU researchers.
Abstract:
Johns Hopkins researchers have generated NK1-Cre mice in which Cre recombinase is expressed specifically in NK1-positive projection neurons in the spinal cord. NK1-Cre mice allow researchers to genetically manipulate (i.e. labeling, activating, and inhibiting) and study NK-1 positive projection neurons. Therefore, NK1-Cre mice are powerful tool to study pain and itch transmission and modulation. In addition, these mice are extremely useful for evaluating anti-pain and itch drugs.
Publication(s)/Associated Cases:
Neuron. 2019 Feb 6;101(3):412-420.e3.
