Recent studies demonstrated the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the processing of pain and itch. One important ROS target in the pain processing system is the cGMP-dependent protein kinase I α (PKGIα). With this application we elucidate the functional relevance of redox-dependent PKGIα signaling for the processing of pain and itch. We will therefore characterize potential ROS sources in sensory neurons and will elucidate the functional relevance of ROS-mediated PKGIα activation and potential downstream mechanisms for the processing of pain and itch. The planned experiments will increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pain and itch.

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