Neural Coding and Control of Pain Detection in Somatosensory Cortex

Summary/Abstract We propose to: Aim 1) Define the temporal patterns and characterizing the LFP properties of S1 oscillations in relation to pain in healthy and chronic pain conditions using novel behavioral assay; Aim 2) Correlate LFP oscillations to underlying neural activity in S1 at the spiking level using NeuroPixels; Aim 3) Identify neural sub- circuits in S1 using genetically-encoded voltage indicators during nociceptive behavior and investigate the functional significance of S1 neurons to nociceptive behavior. These aims will be achieved in mice using state- of-the-art techniques for electrophysiological recordings of LFP and spiking activity in single units with genetically-encoded voltage indicators in vivo combined with optogenetic interventions during sub-second behavioral paradigms, therefore, this application will enhance our scientific understanding of pain mechanisms in the brain and potentially lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to better manage pain in the clinical setting.