2024
Interplay of Nav1.8 and Nav1.7 channels drives neuronal hyperexcitability in neuropathic pain
Vasylyev D, Zhao P, Schulman B, Waxman S. Interplay of Nav1.8 and Nav1.7 channels drives neuronal hyperexcitability in neuropathic pain. The Journal Of General Physiology 2024, 156: e202413596. PMID: 39378238, PMCID: PMC11465073, DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202413596.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDorsal root ganglionGain-of-function Nav1.7 mutationsDorsal root ganglion neuronsSodium channel Nav1.7Inherited erythromelalgiaNav1.7 mutationsNeuropathic painNeuronal hyperexcitabilityOpen-probabilityVoltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7Hyperexcitability of DRG neuronsModel of neuropathic painSubthreshold membrane potential oscillationsResting membrane potentialMembrane potential oscillationsReduced firing probabilityIncreased rheobaseNav1.8 channelsDRG neuronsHuman genetic modelsNav1.8Root ganglionNav1.7 channelsNav1.7AP generationFunctionally-selective inhibition of threshold sodium currents and excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons by cannabinol
Ghovanloo M, Effraim P, Tyagi S, Zhao P, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman S. Functionally-selective inhibition of threshold sodium currents and excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons by cannabinol. Communications Biology 2024, 7: 120. PMID: 38263462, PMCID: PMC10805714, DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05781-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDorsal root ganglionDorsal root ganglion neuronal excitabilityDorsal root ganglion neuronsNeuronal excitabilityCurrent-clamp analysisSteady-state inactivationVoltage-dependent sodiumSlow inactivated stateAutomated patch clamp platformMultielectrode array recordingsNav currentsNeuropathic painSodium currentRoot ganglionGanglion neuronsSlow inactivationInactivated stateCurrent inhibitorsIon channelsNeuronsInhibitory effectCannabinolArray recordingsEndocannabinoidCannabinoidSmall fiber neuropathy
Kool D, Hoeijmakers J, Waxman S, Faber C. Small fiber neuropathy. International Review Of Neurobiology 2024 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.10.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSmall fiber neuropathySodium channelopathiesAssociated with small fiber neuropathyTherapeutic strategiesNerve fibersNeuropathic pain disordersQuantitative sensory testingUnmyelinated C-fibersNervous systemSmall nerve fibersDiagnostic methodsPeripheral nervous systemAutonomic nervous systemNeuropathic painFiber neuropathyPain disordersClinical presentationC-fibersImmune-mediatedAutonomic dysfunctionClinical featuresSkin biopsiesDiagnosed patientsClinical trialsHereditary condition
2023
Increased astrocytic GLT-1 expression in tripartite synapses is associated with SCI-induced hyperreflexia
Benson C, King J, Kauer S, Waxman S, Tan A. Increased astrocytic GLT-1 expression in tripartite synapses is associated with SCI-induced hyperreflexia. Journal Of Neurophysiology 2023, 130: 1358-1366. PMID: 37877184, PMCID: PMC10972632, DOI: 10.1152/jn.00234.2023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSpinal cord injuryRate-dependent depressionTripartite synapsesGLT-1Astrocytic GLT-1 expressionChronic neurological complicationsGLT-1 expressionAstrocyte involvementChronic spasticityUninjured shamsNeurological complicationsNeuropathic painHyperexcitability disordersH-reflexPSD-95 proteinReactive astrocytesVentral hornCord injuryMuscle toneAstrocytes' roleSpinal cordSpinal circuitsSynaptic transmissionHyperreflexiaSpasticityIh current stabilizes excitability in rodent DRG neurons and reverses hyperexcitability in a nociceptive neuron model of inherited neuropathic pain
Vasylyev D, Liu S, Waxman S. Ih current stabilizes excitability in rodent DRG neurons and reverses hyperexcitability in a nociceptive neuron model of inherited neuropathic pain. The Journal Of Physiology 2023, 601: 5341-5366. PMID: 37846879, PMCID: PMC10843455, DOI: 10.1113/jp284999.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFunction Nav1.7 mutationsDorsal root ganglion neuronsSmall DRG neuronsDRG neuronsNav1.7 mutationNeuropathic painGanglion neuronsHuman genetic modelsAction potentialsDRG neuron excitabilityDRG neuron hyperexcitabilityRodent DRG neuronsAP generationCardiac cellsPotential molecular targetsNeuron hyperexcitabilitySevere painPain therapeuticsCNS neuronsExcessive firingNeuron excitabilityCentral neuronsSubthreshold oscillationsHyperexcitabilityNeuronal firingGenetic, electrophysiological, and pathological studies on patients with SCN9A‐related pain disorders
Yuan J, Cheng X, Matsuura E, Higuchi Y, Ando M, Hashiguchi A, Yoshimura A, Nakachi R, Mine J, Taketani T, Maeda K, Kawakami S, Kira R, Tanaka S, Kanai K, Dib‐Hajj F, Dib‐Hajj S, Waxman S, Takashima H. Genetic, electrophysiological, and pathological studies on patients with SCN9A‐related pain disorders. Journal Of The Peripheral Nervous System 2023, 28: 597-607. PMID: 37555797, DOI: 10.1111/jns.12590.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsParoxysmal extreme pain disorderPainful peripheral neuropathyPain disordersSCN9A mutationsPeripheral neuropathyNovel SCN9A mutationsVoltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7Sodium channel Nav1.7Steady-state fast inactivationGene panel sequencingPatch-clamp analysisAutonomic neuropathyNeuropathic painSCN9A geneClinical featuresUnderlying pathogenesisPathological studiesPatientsChannel Nav1.7EM phenotypePhenotypic spectrumNeuropathyNav1.7 channelsPatch-clamp systemElectrophysiological analysisGenetic Profiling of Sodium Channels in Diabetic Painful and Painless and Idiopathic Painful and Painless Neuropathies
Almomani R, Sopacua M, Marchi M, Ślęczkowska M, Lindsey P, de Greef B, Hoeijmakers J, Salvi E, Merkies I, Ferdousi M, Malik R, Ziegler D, Derks K, Boenhof G, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Cazzato D, Lombardi R, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman S, Smeets H, Gerrits M, Faber C, Lauria G, Group O. Genetic Profiling of Sodium Channels in Diabetic Painful and Painless and Idiopathic Painful and Painless Neuropathies. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences 2023, 24: 8278. PMID: 37175987, PMCID: PMC10179245, DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098278.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDiabetic peripheral neuropathySmall fiber neuropathyPainless neuropathySFN patientsPainful neuropathyPeripheral neuropathyNeuropathy patientsPainless diabetic peripheral neuropathyPathogenic variantsPersonalized pain treatmentPainful peripheral neuropathyDifferent pathogenic variantsGenetic profilingSodium channel genePotential pathogenic variantsDPN patientsNeuropathic painNociceptive pathwaysPain treatmentNeuropathyPatientsSodium channelsFrequent featureDifferent centersSCN7ATRPA1 rare variants in chronic neuropathic and nociplastic pain patients
Marchi M, Salvi E, Andelic M, Mehmeti E, D'Amato I, Cazzato D, Chiappori F, Lombardi R, Cartelli D, Devigili G, Bella E, Gerrits M, Almomani R, Malik R, Ślęczkowska M, Mazzeo A, Gentile L, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman S, Faber C, Vecchio E, de Tommaso M, Lauria G. TRPA1 rare variants in chronic neuropathic and nociplastic pain patients. Pain 2023, 164: 2048-2059. PMID: 37079850, PMCID: PMC10443199, DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002905.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNociplastic painPainful neuropathyPain patientsHealthy controlsRare variantsChronic neuropathic painChronic pain disordersChronic widespread painChronic pain patientsMolecular profilePainless neuropathyNeuropathic painPain disordersWidespread painChronic painPatient's molecular profileIndependent cohortPainPatientsClinical diagnosisDisease riskNeuropathyTRPA1 variantsNew risk genesPain genesIntegrative miRNA–mRNA profiling of human epidermis: unique signature of SCN9A painful neuropathy
Andelic M, Salvi E, Marcuzzo S, Marchi M, Lombardi R, Cartelli D, Cazzato D, Mehmeti E, Gelemanovic A, Paolini M, Pardo C, D'Amato I, Hoeijmakers J, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman S, Faber C, Lauria G. Integrative miRNA–mRNA profiling of human epidermis: unique signature of SCN9A painful neuropathy. Brain 2023, 146: 3049-3062. PMID: 36730021, PMCID: PMC10316770, DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeuropathic painPain-related mechanismsCohort of patientsSmall nerve fibersUnmet clinical needPainful neuropathyTargeted molecular profilingNeuropathy painPathophysiological mechanismsAvailable therapiesPreclinical modelsNerve fibersLimited efficacyHealthy individualsPersonalized managementPotential drug candidatesTranslational gapPainClinical needGene targetsPatientsImmunofluorescence assaysMolecular profilingMiR-30 familyProtein expression
2022
Dendritic Spines and Pain Memory
Benson C, King J, Reimer M, Kauer S, Waxman S, Tan A. Dendritic Spines and Pain Memory. The Neuroscientist 2022, 30: 294-314. PMID: 36461773, DOI: 10.1177/10738584221138251.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNeuropathic painDendritic spinesSynaptic transmissionSpinal cord dorsal hornForm of painNew therapeutic approachesSurface of neuronsDorsal hornIntractable painDeep laminaePain memoryTherapeutic approachesPainNervous systemNew therapeuticsSpineMillions of peopleInjuryDiseaseRecent studiesReview articlePrevalenceNeuronsImportant rolePeripheral Ion Channel Genes Screening in Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy
Ślęczkowska M, Almomani R, Marchi M, Salvi E, de Greef B, Sopacua M, Hoeijmakers J, Lindsey P, Waxman S, Lauria G, Faber C, Smeets H, Gerrits M. Peripheral Ion Channel Genes Screening in Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences 2022, 23: 14095. PMID: 36430572, PMCID: PMC9696564, DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214095.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSmall fiber neuropathyNeuropathic painIon channel genesPainful small fiber neuropathyPain score VASPathogenic heterozygous variantGenetic variantsIon channelsCohort studyDiabetic neuropathySevere painDifferent etiologiesPainPatientsVoltage-gated sodium ion channelsHeterozygous variantsNeuropathySodium ion channelsGene screeningGeneration sequencingPrevious findingsSuch variantsEtiologySCN1BVariants
2019
A gain-of-function sodium channel β2-subunit mutation in painful diabetic neuropathy
Alsaloum M, Estacion M, Almomani R, Gerrits MM, Bönhof GJ, Ziegler D, Malik R, Ferdousi M, Lauria G, Merkies IS, Faber CG, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman S. A gain-of-function sodium channel β2-subunit mutation in painful diabetic neuropathy. Molecular Pain 2019, 15: 1744806919849802. PMID: 31041876, PMCID: PMC6510061, DOI: 10.1177/1744806919849802.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDiabetic peripheral neuropathyPeripheral neuropathyNeuropathic painDiabetic peripheral neuropathy patientsPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathyDorsal root ganglion neuronsPainful diabetic neuropathyPeripheral neuropathy patientsSodium channel β subunitsSpectrum of patientsUse-dependent inhibitionCardiac conducting systemSodium channel α subunitVoltage-gated sodium channelsChannel α-subunitsSCN11A geneDiabetic neuropathyDiabetes mellitusChronic painNeuropathy patientsGanglion neuronsNegative genetic screeningChannel β subunitHealth sequelaeRepetitive stimulation
2018
Therapeutic potential of Pak1 inhibition for pain associated with cutaneous burn injury
Guo Y, Benson C, Hill M, Henry S, Effraim P, Waxman S, Dib-Hajj S, Tan AM. Therapeutic potential of Pak1 inhibition for pain associated with cutaneous burn injury. Molecular Pain 2018, 14: 1744806918788648. PMID: 29956587, PMCID: PMC6053256, DOI: 10.1177/1744806918788648.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDendritic spine dysgenesisNeuropathic painSpine dysgenesisBurn injurySignificant tactile allodyniaDorsal horn neuronsChronic disease burdenActivity-dependent expressionCutaneous burn injurySecond-degree burn injuryBurn injury modelC-fos expressionPotential molecular targetsDrug discontinuationHeat hyperalgesiaTactile allodyniaDorsal hornPain outcomesChronic painNociceptive activityLower painDisease burdenInjury modelCognitive dysfunctionPain
2016
Pharmacotherapy for Pain in a Family With Inherited Erythromelalgia Guided by Genomic Analysis and Functional Profiling
Geha P, Yang Y, Estacion M, Schulman BR, Tokuno H, Apkarian AV, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. Pharmacotherapy for Pain in a Family With Inherited Erythromelalgia Guided by Genomic Analysis and Functional Profiling. JAMA Neurology 2016, 73: 659. PMID: 27088781, DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.0389.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAction PotentialsAdultAnalgesics, Non-NarcoticBrainCarbamazepineChronic PainDNA Mutational AnalysisDouble-Blind MethodElectric StimulationErythromelalgiaFemaleGanglia, SpinalHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleMutationNAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium ChannelPain MeasurementRegression AnalysisSensory Receptor CellsConceptsMean episode durationDRG neuronsPatient 1Nav1.7 mutationEpisode durationDorsal root ganglion neuronsPlacebo-controlled studyMaintenance periodAttenuation of painEffects of carbamazepineBrain activityFunctional magnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imagingT mutationMutant channelsFunctional magnetic resonanceNeuropathic painSecondary somatosensoryChronic painPain areaPatient 2Ganglion neuronsEffective pharmacotherapyNight awakeningsPlacebo
2014
Epidermal Nerve Fibers
Lauria G, Merkies I, Waxman S, Faber C. Epidermal Nerve Fibers. 2014, 76-79. DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385157-4.00656-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEpidermal nerve fibersNerve fibersNeuropathic painSkin biopsiesProtein gene product 9.5Severity of neuropathySmall fiber neuropathySmall nerve fibersDistinct clinical syndromeSensory nervesClinical syndromeProduct 9.5Unmyelinated axonsNeuropathyPainAvailability of antibodiesBiopsySomatic functionsInnervationNociceptorsNerveSyndromeAxonsDegenerationDiagnosis
2013
Approach to Small Fiber Neuropathy
Lauria G, Merkies I, Waxman S, Faber C. Approach to Small Fiber Neuropathy. 2013, 507-517. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6567-6_25.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2012
Genetic aspects of sodium channelopathy in small fiber neuropathy
Hoeijmakers J, Merkies I, Gerrits M, Waxman S, Faber C. Genetic aspects of sodium channelopathy in small fiber neuropathy. Clinical Genetics 2012, 82: 351-358. PMID: 22803682, DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2012.01937.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSmall fiber neuropathyEtiology of SFNSmall-diameter peripheral axonsIntraepidermal nerve fiber densityDorsal root ganglion neuronsAbnormal thermal thresholdsNerve fiber densityQuantitative sensory testingUnmyelinated C-fibersSFN patientsAutonomic dysfunctionNeuropathic painAδ fibersGanglion neuronsC-fibersPeripheral axonsSensory testingSpecific treatmentSodium channelopathiesApparent causeFiber densitySodium channelsLogical targetNeuropathyPainUnderstanding chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain
Hughes J, Chessell I, Malamut R, Perkins M, Bačkonja M, Baron R, Farrar J, Field M, Gereau R, Gilron I, McMahon S, Porreca F, Rappaport B, Rice F, Richman L, Segerdahl M, Seminowicz D, Watkins L, Waxman S, Wiech K, Woolf C. Understanding chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences 2012, 1255: 30-44. PMID: 22564068, DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06561.x.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2008
Alarm or curse? The pain of neuroinflammation
Saab C, Waxman S, Hains B. Alarm or curse? The pain of neuroinflammation. Brain Research Reviews 2008, 58: 226-235. PMID: 18486228, DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2008.04.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmune cellsExperimental spinal cord injuryContribution of microgliaNociceptive nervous systemPeripheral nerve injuryExposure of neuronsSpinal cord injuryDevelopment of pharmacotherapiesNeuropathic injuryNeuropathic painNerve injuryPainful behaviorChronic painNeuroexcitatory effectsCord injuryChronic activationNervous systemPainImmune systemInjuryIdentification of moleculesNeuronsFunctional consequencesCellsDetrimental consequences
2007
A case of inherited erythromelalgia
Novella SP, Hisama FM, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. A case of inherited erythromelalgia. Nature Reviews Neurology 2007, 3: 229-234. PMID: 17410110, DOI: 10.1038/ncpneuro0425.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLaboratory blood testingMRI brain scansNeuropathic painSymptomatic managementNeurological examinationRecurrent episodesBlood testingMedical historySkin biopsiesFamily historyDistal extremitiesBrain scansSimilar symptomsGenetic counselingEarly childhoodPainEpisodesErythromelalgiaBiopsyErythemaSymptomsExtremitiesDNA analysis