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Dr. Molliver’s research focuses on two areas, the role of trophic factors in the regulation of sensory neuron function and the molecular basis of sensory signal transduction. Dr. Molliver combines a variety of neuroanatomical, molecular, behavioral and physiological techniques to address these issues. Collaborations with Brian Davis, Kathy Albers and Rick Koerber are investigating the ability of trophic factors to regulate the phenotype and function of sensory neurons, both during development and after injury in the adult. A second project is to characterize the expression and functional properties of the P2Y family of G protein-coupled nucleotide receptors in sensory neurons and their contribution to nociceptive signal transduction. Results to date indicate that several members of this receptor family may be potently analgesic, while others are likely to potentiate pain signaling.
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