Epigenetics of Chronic Pain

Dr. Guang Bai is interested in the genetic regulation of NMDA receptor genes during the brain development. His previous and ongoing work includes isolation and analysis of the NR1 and NR2A promoters, and growth factor regulation and developmental activation of these promoters. He is also searching for key cis-elements and trans-factors important for developmental expression of the NMDA receptor genes. Dr. Guang Bai has published more than 30 papers in peer reviewed journals, including Biological Chemistry, Nature Neuroscience, Neurochemistry, Cell Physiology, Pain, and Molecular Pain.

Dr. Ke Ren studies the mechanisms that underlie the development and maintenance of persistent pain and hyperalgesia. He employs a wide range of techniques including behavioral pharmacology, focal brain microinjection and stimulation, electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization histochemistry, RNA and protein analysis using Western and Northern blots, and RT-PCR. Ongoing projects include research into CNS modulation of persistent pain and spinal plasticity, mechanisms of persistent temporomandibular, and excitatory amino acid receptors and persistent pain. Dr. Ren has published more 160 peer reviewed publication in such peer reviewed journals as Experimental Medicine, European Journal of Pain, Molecular Pain, Molecular Neurobiology, and the European Journal of Pharmacology