Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that neural circuit mechanisms are critical in modulating chronic pain. Cutting-edge techniques, such as optogenetic stimulation, chemogenetic manipulation, and in vivo calcium imaging, have been developed to unravel pain-related neural circuits in the central nervous system. In this Special Research Topic, we will solicit papers in basic, translational, and clinical pain research that focus on dissecting brain or spinal cord neural circuits underlying neuromodulation in different chronic pain conditions.

These manuscripts can include, but are not limited to:

• Central mechanisms and neural circuits for chronic pain
• Single-cell sequencing analysis of pain-related neural circuits
• Multi-channel recording of real-time neuronal activity in freely behaving animals with chronic pain
• Simultaneous monitoring of presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic neuronal activity in pain-related neural circuits while measuring pain behaviors
• Neural circuits-targeted neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain

Prof. Feng Tao
Guest Editor