基因编辑技术和光遗传学技术联合钙成像在疼痛研究中的应用进展

Recent advances on application of gene technology and optogenetics combined with calcium imaging in pain study

背景疼痛的机制以及环路十分复杂，涉及外周、脊髓和脊髓上多个水平，并且相互交叉、抑制或促进，要解决疼痛的问题，就要清晰认识疼痛环路和机制。目的随着基因编辑技术和光遗传技术的发展，联合在体的光纤和显微成像记录技术，推进这些方法的联合使用，为探究复杂的外周、脊髓和脊髓以上水平疼痛环路提供新的机会。内容综述迄今在疼痛研究领域的钙成像技术，以及基因编辑技术、光遗传学技术，联合在体的光纤和显微成像记录技术的研究进展，并介绍脊髓水平在体的光纤和显微镜固定问题的解决，并阐明其在疼痛研究中的潜在应用价值。趋向上述方法的联合使用为探究复杂的外周、脊髓和脊髓以上水平疼痛环路和机制，提供了一个前所未有的机会。随着技术的不断进步，相信人们终将解决有关疼痛的未知问题。

Background The mechanisms and circuits of pain are complex and involve multiple levels in the periphery, spinal cord, and supraspinal brain regions. To solve the pain problem, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the pain circuits and mechanisms. Objective With the development of optogenetics technology, in vivo fiber photometry and miniaturized microscopic calcium imaging, the joint use of these methods is expecting to provide an opportunity for exploring the mechanisms and circuits of pain. Content This study reviews the research progress in calcium imaging technology, as well as gene technology, optogenetics technology, most recently-developed in vivo fiber photometry and miniaturized microscopic calcium imaging techniques in pain research. Trend This review summarizes new advances of pain circuitry and mechanisms using joint use of these new technologies. The combined use of these methods provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore complex spinal pain circuits and mechanisms. With the continuous advancement of technology, it is believed that people will eventually solve unknown problems related to pain.