Malin Lagerström – Sensory circuits

In the spinal cord, incoming sensory information from the body, such as pain and itch, is regulated. These sensory inputs are essential for our survival, but when they become persistent, they can significantly impair quality of life. We study the neural networks that transmit and regulate these signals: how the circuits are organized, which types of neurons are involved, their properties, and how their activity can be controlled.

Peripheral sensory neurons detect changes in our environment, for example when we handle a tool or are exposed to potentially harmful conditions such as high temperatures or corrosive chemicals.

Different types of sensory stimuli are conveyed through specific receptors. Burning and cold pain, for instance, are detected by ion channels known as TRPV1 and GluK2, respectively, while mechanical touch is registered by so-called Piezo channels.

Signalling from peripheral neurons to the brain

In the spinal cord, peripheral sensory neurons form synapses with interneurons. These interneurons can be either activated or inhibited, resulting in modulation and processing of the signal before it is potentially transmitted to the brain via projection neurons.

Despite extensive research into the origins of pain and itch, we still know relatively little about how peripheral sensory neurons are regulated or how interneurons and projection neurons modulate and relay these signals.

Regulation of itch and pain

Our current focus is to elucidate how the activity of peripheral sensory neurons, interneurons, and projection neurons is regulated. To achieve this, we use electrophysiological methods, pharmacology, and advanced transgenic techniques.

The goal is to increase our understanding of how sensory networks are regulated in both health and disease. In the long term, this knowledge may contribute to improved treatments for chronic itch in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as chronic pain.

We are continuously looking for additional team members, so feel free to contact Malin Lagerström if you are interested in, for example, a thesis project or a postdoctoral project.

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