Localizing Scaffold Protein Magi-3 in CGRP-Expressing Nociceptors

Authors: Zara Braimah, Arin Bhattacharjee

SUNY Campus: SUNY Buffalo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 48

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: About 20.9% of Americans have incurable chronic pain. Common treatments like NSAIDs can cause kidney damage, while opioids can lead to drug dependency. Chronic pain is associated with CGRP-expressing nociceptive neurons. Generally, the NGF/TrkA pathway promotes neuronal growth, protection and repair. However, excess production of nerve growth factor (NGF) can cause chronic unresponsive pain. In a previous study of the MAGUK kinase scaffold protein family, Magi-1 was found to regulate the pain pathway of nociceptive neurons. But the role of Magi-3 in nociceptive neurons is unknown. Our research aims to determine the role of Magi-3 in pain signaling via interaction with NGF receptor TrkA. This experiment seeks to elucidate the current knowledge on pain pathways, identify novel targets to treat chronic pain, and illuminate therapeutic alternatives. By using CGRP as a marker of nociceptors an immunohistochemistry assay was performed using mice skin to observe Magi-3, CGRP, and TrkA protein expression and colocalization. Magi-3 is expected to overlap with CGRP and TrkA, indicating Magi-3’s significant role in pain signaling and as a regulator of the NGF/TrkA pain pathway. This experiment could guide future evaluations of Magi-3’s pain alleviating properties for non-addictive chronic pain therapies as alternatives to opioids and NSAIDs.