Molecular Neuropharmacology

The Molecular Neuropharmacology group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying pain chronification and its emotional and cognitive comorbidities, a major clinical challenge due to the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current therapies. Our research focuses on gaseous signaling pathways, oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, and their interaction with opioid and cannabinoid systems to identify novel molecular targets and develop more effective therapeutic strategies for inflammatory, neuropathic, and osteoarthritis pain and their associated comorbidities.

Main lines of research

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic pain and its emotional and cognitive alterations, with emphasis on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal–glial interactions in osteoarthritis-related, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. (Pol Rigau, Olga).
• Role of gaseous signaling molecules in chronic pain, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and molecular hydrogen, in the regulation of nociceptive processing and pain-associated comorbidities. (Pol Rigau, Olga).
• Interaction between gaseous signaling pathways and analgesic systems, including opioid and cannabinoid receptors, to enhance the efficacy and reduce adverse effects of current therapies. (Pol Rigau, Olga).
• Sex-related mechanisms in chronic pain and associated mood disorders, influencing pain sensitivity and treatment response across different preclinical pain models. (Pol Rigau, Olga).

Scientific Challenges

• Identify brain circuits and molecular mechanisms linking chronic pain with emotional and cognitive comorbidities.
• Explore the analgesic potential of novel gaseous signaling molecules whose role in chronic pain remains unexplored.
• Evaluate advanced drug-delivery systems to optimize the therapeutic use of gaseous signaling molecules in chronic pain.
• Improve the efficacy and safety of current analgesic therapies through rational pharmacological combination strategies.
• Determine sex-dependent mechanisms influencing chronic pain and treatment responses.

Contact

Olga Pol
opol@santpau.cat