Neurobiology of trigeminal pain
Research axis 2: Neurovascular and neuroimmune mechanisms
Our goal: investigating the contribution of neurovascular barriers and neuroimmune interactions to trigeminal pain.
The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic trigeminal pain involve complex interactions between the nervous, vascular and immune systems. In this research axis, we investigate how alterations in blood–nerve barrier integrity, neuroimmune communication and TLR4-dependent signaling contribute to pain chronification after trigeminal injury. By identifying these mechanisms, we seek to uncover novel cellular and molecular therapeutic targets.
Ongoing projects
- Blood–nerve barrier dysfunction in trigeminal neuropathies (co-led by Pr N. Moreau, Pr Y. Boucher & Dr G. Gazzo)
- TLR4 signaling and neuroimmune interactions (co-led by Pr N. Moreau, Pr Y. Boucher & Dr G. Gazzo)
Methodological approaches
- Behavioral assessment in rodents (pain sensitivity)
- Preclinical models of trigeminal neuropathy
- Assessment of blood-nerve-barrier permeability
- RT-qPCR
- Immunostaining
Recent publications
- Moreau N., Peirs C., Dallel R., & Boucher Y. (2024). Spécificités de la douleur neuropathique oro-faciale. Med Sci (Paris), 40(1):64-71. https://doi.org/10.1051/medsci/2023197
- Moreau N., & Boucher Y. (2020). Hedging against Neuropathic Pain: Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Pathological Nerve Healing. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(23), 9115. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21239115
- Moreau N., Dieb W., Mauborgne A., Bourgoin S., Villanueva L., Pohl M., & Boucher Y. (2017). Hedgehog Pathway–Mediated Vascular Alterations Following Trigeminal Nerve Injury. J Dent Res, 96, 450–457. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034516679395
- Moreau N., Mauborgne A., Bourgoin S., Couraud PE., Romero I., Weksler B., Villanueva L., Pohl M., & Boucher Y. (2016). Early alterations of Hedgehog signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells after peripheral nerve injury elicit blood-nerve barrier disruption, nerve inflammation, and neuropathic pain development. Pain, 157, 827–839. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000444
Read more about the two other research axes of the group: