We are a scientific consortium dedicated to investigate in translational neuroscience of pain. We aim at training advanced human capital in scientific and clinical area.

Our Millennium Nucleus MiNuSPain includes five research laboratories whose competences range from cutting-edge biomedical research to clinical studies. MiNusPain collaborations are reflected in associative projects, publications, international conferences and co-supervision of trainees.

Our work has a translational approach from the bedside to the bench and back, a concept that illustrates the path along which our lines of research progress collaboratively, ranging from biomedical science to patients. We are focused on investigating key molecular determinants involved in neuropathic pain. In particular, we will focus on the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms in preclinical and clinical models.

It is defined as pain caused by an illness that affects the somatosensory nervous system.

Neuropathic pain affects about 7 to 10% of the world population. Neuropathic pain is disabling and produces a great socioeconomic cost. Therefore, it has become a priority public health problem.

Currently, treatments for neuropathic pain are poorly tolerated and their efficacy is poor. The opioid epidemic has shown us that the effect of long term use of these medications can be a real problem. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of neuropathic pain will provide fundamental keys to recognize new pharmacological targets for treatment.

It is caused by a lesion to any part of the somatosensory system, thereby it can be peripheral or central. Important causes of peripheral neuropathic pain are lumbar radiculopathy (nerve root compression), postherpetic neuralgia (persistent pain after a herpes episode), diabetic neuropathy, HIV-related neuropathy and chronic postsurgical pain, among others.

Central neuropathic pain can appear after a cerebrovascular disease,  a spinal cord lesion, multiple sclerosis or after other neurological and metabolic conditions.

The diagnosis of neuropathic pain is made when a patient presents pain together with signs of injury in the nervous system, such as altered sensibility, or pain response after subtle contact.