Mar Hernández Secorún

Both paper and thread are worth a read 👇

Have you been wondering what the role is of non-neuronal cells in modulating sensory neuron activity? Check out this review from @psalmotoxin.bsky.social et al. in @sfnjournals.bsky.social’s #JNeurosci, one of this week’s #EditorsPick papers chosen by @rpseal.bsky.social bit.ly/3XEp2rE #PRF

PRF 24 November 2025

Have you heard of MDFIC2, the newly identified sensory neuron-enriched modulator of PIEZO channels? Check out Habib et al. in @pnas.org, one of this week’s #EditorsPick papers chosen by @rpseal.bsky.social bit.ly/4renN08 #PRF

Huerta et al. find that standard analgesics reliably reduce spontaneous neuropathic pain in preclinical models, mirroring clinical efficacy and highlighting the value of assessing non-evoked pain. Learn more in #PAIN bit.ly/4hHOvJU

Figure 1. Non-neuronal–neuron communication in the skin. (1) Non-neuronal cells and extracellular matrix in the skin. (2) When in ammatory events such as IL-6, ATP, and protease production from injury or infection are introduced, it causes an activation of cells, a disruption in extracellular matrix, and damage to sensory neurons. (3) During in ammatory cascades, injured or sensitized neurons potentiate pain and the development of a chronic pain state.

Figure 2. Cell–cell interactions in joint pain. Numerous pathogenic changes occur within the OA joint and other musculoskeletal conditions that can contribute to pain, including cartilage degradation, synovitis, and bone remodeling (1). Within the joint evidence has established the role of some key non-neuronal cell types that contribute to pain (2) and some of the signaling nociceptor activation and sensitization mechanisms involved (3). There is also growing evidence for cell–cell interactions within the DRG that contribute to pain (4). See text for more details.

Figure 3. Keratinocytes contribute to normal touch and chemotherapy-induced mechanical sensitivity through PIEZO1. Keratinocytes in the most super cial layer of the skin respond to mechanical forces via their expression of PIEZO1 channels and activated keratinocytes release ATP which signals to P2X4 channels on cutaneous sensory nerve endings. After a patient is treated with the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel, keratinocyte PIEZO1 is sensitized; the keratinocytes release more ATP and additional mediators, resulting in greater action potential signaling in sensory neurons that is sent to the spinal cord and brain through touch and pain pathways.

With the annual @sfn.org meeting coming up, I'm looking forward to Saturday's symposium with @cherylstucky.bsky.social , @mdburton.bsky.social & Anne-Marie Heegaard on non-neuronal cells in #PainResearch

Here's our accompanying review!
www.jneurosci.org/content/45/4...

Brask-Thomsen et al. find that in diabetic polyneuropathy and type 2 diabetes, development of and relief from neuropathic pain was common over a 5-year period. Associated factors were investigated. Learn more in #PAIN bit.ly/3WGJYOu

Beisswanger et al. use microneurography to reveal C-nociceptor dysfunction beyond conventional testing, offering insights into the role of C-nociceptors in ongoing neuropathic pain. Learn more in #PAIN bit.ly/4nqvWMG

A test of nerves in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

@dianatavf.bsky.social @tedpricethepainguy.bsky.social & team identify regenerative and degenerative pathways and highlight axonal mRNA transport as a new mechanism in DPN:
www.jci.org/articles/vie...

Mapping the anatomy of placebo analgesia The identification of somatotopy in brainstem pain modulatory pathways could help treat chronic pain

Thanks to @massih.bsky.social for inviting me to co-author this commentary @science.org Mapping the anatomy of placebo analgesia | Science www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

A really interesting paper from @drvinkopalada.bsky.social and colleagues for figuring out where to focus our intervention. If my patients mostly have nocturnal symptoms, which one would you use?

Differential Effects of Pregabalin and Morphine on the Sleep-Wake Cycle and Circadian Rhythms in Mice with Neuropathic Pain - PubMed Pregabalin, unlike morphine, restores SNI-disrupted sleep architecture, circadian rhythms, and spinal circadian gene expression.

🎉 Excited to share that our latest research has been accepted for publication in Anesthesiology!

Both #pregabalin and #morphine relieve #pain in mice with #neuropathic pain, but only pregabalin stabilises REM #sleep, sleep #spindles and #circadian #rhythms.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40802988/

Very proud that our human PNS atlas is finally published in @natcomms.nature.com We found perineurial hyperplasia and lipid-associated nerve macrophages in #polyneuropathies.
Explore: pns-atlas.mzhlab.com
A tweetorial 1/13
doi.org/10.1038/s414...

This work is finally online as in-press preview!

JCI - Cell and molecular profiles in peripheral nerves shift toward inflammatory phenotypes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy www.jci.org/articles/vie...

Can creativity in science be learnt? These researchers think so Time pressure gets in the way of ideas. Developing ‘creative oases’ and small grants for risky ideas can encourage innovative thinking in science.

Time pressure gets in the way of ideas. Nature Careers spoke with researchers about making space for creativity by developing ‘creative oases’ and small grants for risky ideas to encourage innovative thinking in science. #Academicsky 🧪

Lin et al. find that structural brain alterations are linked to neuropathic pain in peripheral neuropathy, including thinning, gyral flattening, and altered topographic organization in pain-related cortices. Learn more in #PAIN bit.ly/3Hnqzhi

Fig. 1: Identification of cool-sensitive Calb1Trhr neurons in the SDH.

A study in Nature Communications identifies a neural circuit in mice that transmits cool sensation from the skin to the brain, revealing a dedicated pathway for detecting innocuous cool temperatures. go.nature.com/45Brumv 🧪

What do you think Lee et al.’s findings in @natcomms.nature.com of a feedforward amplification circuit for cool sensation, as well as a modality-specific spinal pathway for thermal processing, do for our understanding of thermosensation? bit.ly/3JlS8rS #PRF

How to detect consciousness in people, animals and maybe even AI Insights from human brains could inform how scientists search for awareness in all its possible forms.

A feature in Nature explores how research into developing ways to probe layers of consciousness in the human brain could inform how scientists search for awareness in all its possible forms. 🧪

After completing my PhD, I'm embarked on a new journey of learning and growth. I'm eager to dive into the basic science and solidify my foundation as a future translational researcher. Since July, spending a few months at KU Leuven for that! We are continuing the active search for a PostDoc!

Nuestro último trabajo eBioMedicine Lancet: efectos x ejercicio 🏃🏻‍♀️ en cerebro 🧠 muestran perfil hormético (mejora cognición y neurogénesis si es moderado, inútil si extenuante) causado por cambios en microbiota 🦠 y después de trasplante fecal @CSICdivulga @SENC_ @institutocajal.bsky.social

Llimós-Aubach et al. identify the potassium channel TRESK, which regulates the excitability of specific nonhistaminergic pruriceptors and modulates acute and chronic itch, as a potential target for antipruritic pharmacological compounds. #PAIN bit.ly/3U4kolf

Indeed, the authors stated: 'There was a notable lack of detail regarding how adverse events were measured and classified. Furthermore, the short-term follow-up in many trials, combined with potential under-reporting of adverse events, raised concerns about the data completeness.'

Revisiting the updated NeuPSIG guideline, I’m struck by how often efficacy is isolated from harm. With poor AE reporting and short follow-ups, NNHs fall short. RCTs must improve how harms are measured to truly guide neuropathic pain care. www.thelancet.com/action/showP...

Hi Brooke! Thank you for the initiative! Can I be add for the early career and phd searching postdoc? Thanks ✨

Dear Bsky Friends, physical activity as a central pillar of #lifestyle modification in the management of chronic #musculoskeletal #pain & its effects on pain modulation & #sleep, #stress regulation, #diet & #smoking behavior: tinyurl.com/2ntkuda3

Wrapping up a stage 👩🏽‍🎓

First ever skull from ‘Denisovan’ reveals what ancient people looked like Ancient proteins and calcified dental plaque identify heavy-browed fossil from China as a Denisovan.

It’s the first time a near-complete skull has been definitively linked to the extinct people

https://go.nature.com/4e8cekR

Honoured to present a small part of my PhD on how nerve mechanical interface treatment impacts on nocturnal pain symptoms and sleep quality in pre-surgical CTS patients at EFIC CONGRESS 2025! #EFIC2025 @efic.bsky.social