PI's involved in KIPN

At the forefront of our research is the goal to unravel the cellular and molecular complexities underlying pain. We delineate the specific cell types and molecular processes underlying acute and chronic pain with the aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and persistent pain. Employing a diverse array of techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell accessible chromatin analysis, biochemistry, protein engineering, mouse genetic manipulation for capture and manipulating activity in previously active neurons, neural connectivity tracing, mouse pain behavioral tests and computational biology, we investigate both the ascending and descending pain pathways. Our overarching goal is to enhance our understanding of the neural underpinnings of pain, with the ultimate aspiration of facilitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating the suffering endured by chronic pain patients.

Eva Kosek’s group focuses on research regarding pathophysiological mechanisms in chronic musculoskeletal pain, with special reference to central pain modulation and neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The research is hypothesis driven and the research group uses a wide variety of techniques such as genetics, analysis of inflammatory substances in cerebrospinal fluid and blood, quantitative sensory testing and neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET).