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Mechanisms of pathological pain
- HIV-1 infection causes a spectrum of neurological and cognitive complications, collectively known as NeuroAIDS. We are studying one of the most common NeuroAIDS - HIV-associated pain. Our research aims to elucidate the molecular, synaptic and glial mechanisms by which HIV (or its components) and co-morbid factors (e.g., opioids and antiretroviral treatments) induce pathogenic processes in the neural circuits that transmit pain signals. A focal point of our current studies is to determine the contribution of neuron-glia interaction to the pathogenesis. We use interdisciplinary methodologies, including molecular biology, single cell analysis, gene knockout, patch clamping recording, confocal imaging, and behavioral testing, to analyze animal models, postmortem patient specimens and primary cultures of neurons and glia.
