Localizing Scaffold Protein Magi-3 in Mice Dorsal Root Ganglions

Authors: Zara Braimah, Arin Bhattacharjee

SUNY Campus: SUNY Buffalo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 49

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Magi-3 is a scaffold protein that may regulate pain pathways, contribute to pain signaling, and serve as a potential drug target. However, its specific role in Dorsal Root Ganglions (DRGs) is unknown. Our research aims to localize Magi-3 expression in mice DRGs and determine the role of Magi-3 in pain signaling via interaction with Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) receptor TrkA. Generally, the NGF/TrkA pathway promotes neuronal growth, protection and repair, but excess production of nerve growth factor can cause chronic unresponsive pain. This experiment seeks to elucidate the current knowledge on pain pathways, identify novel targets to treat chronic pain, and illuminate therapeutic alternatives. An immunohistochemistry assay was performed on the mice DRGs to observe Magi-3 and TrkA protein expression and colocalization. Magi-3 is expected to have a spatial overlap with 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 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).