Primary afferent ion channels and their regulation in nociceptive transmission

Primary afferent neurons represent the first site of modulation from the pain signal arising from a real or potential injury. These neurons on their soma, axons and terminals express channels and receptors essentially involved in the onset of different pain phenotypes, making them a primary target in the development of analgesic drugs with actions restricted to the peripheral nervous system. This topical series of papers will focus on factors governing the regulation of the expression and trafficking mechanisms for these ion channels in the initiation and maintenance of pathological pain phenotypes.

It is well known that primary afferent neurons (PANs) express a collection of voltage and ligand gated channels that regulate processing of nociceptive information. The expression of these channels is dynamic with increases in channel function being observed following tissue and nerve injury, systemic inflammation and circulating immune factors. These changes can result from afferent traffic depolarizing the soma through the glomerular link and by circulating factors that pass though the fenestrated vasculature of the DRG. The changes in channel contribution to PAN excitability can reflect increased expression, alterations in trafficking and membrane turnover. The link between these pathologic conditions and the effects on PAN channel function are evident but remain to be understood. Thus, the goal of this topic is to enhance our understanding of the dynamics of ion channels and their implications in nociceptive processing.

The topic will specifically cover pathologies that drive changes in DRG ion channel functionality in the primary afferent and the mechanisms through which those changes in functionality are accomplished (e.g., expression, turnover, trafficking). Articles covering pathological conditions that alter the dynamics of ion channels in satellite glial cells and macrophages in the dorsal root ganglia will be welcome as well, due to their implications in primary afferents plasticity and pain processing. Both Scientific and Review articles are welcome to be submitted.

Article types and fees

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• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Dorsal root ganglia; Primary afferent Neuron, Ion channels, Channel trafficking, Pain

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