Grant: Project Grant

The prefrontal cortex is involved in processing nociceptive information into the experience of pain. Cortical circuits can amplify and diminish the experience of pain. Aberrant processing of nociceptive information in the cortex is a hallmark of chronic pain. The mechanisms leading to these pathological changes are unknown. The claustrum is a small subcortical region that is tightly linked to the cortex. It provides ongoing inhibition of cortical activity and restricts sensory perception. Inhibiting the claustrum releases cortical activity and alters sensory processing. We currently do not know how pain impacts claustrum activity and whether this region is altered in chronic pain. In this proposal, we use gain and loss-of-function mouse studies to activate or inhibit claustrum-cortical pathways. We assess the impact on acute and chronic pain behaviours. We also use in vivo neuronal activity to map how the claustrum controls cortical activity in the context of acute and chronic pain. The results from this proposal will reveal a novel circuit engaged in acute and chronic pain.