American Pain Society's 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (May 8 – 10, 2008): Genetic Variations in Susceptibility to Chronic Pain and Pain Processing

Susceptibility to chronic pain is most likely polygenic, meaning that chronic pain susceptibility is determined by the interaction of multiple genes. Thus, a major challenge is to identify genes that initiate and maintain chronic pain, as variants of these genes may influence the pain susceptibility of individual patients. This session will present animal and human models that assess genetic influences to chronic pain. Dr. Michael Costigan will discuss combining rodent screens with human genetic screening to define the fundamental molecular determinants of neuropathic pain sensitivity. Dr. Jeffrey Mogil will present mouse data describing genetic influences on inflammatory pain. Dr. Jon Kar Zubieta will present data on common genotypes and haplotypes affecting dopamine and opioid neurotransmission, and how those modulate the pain experience in humans. Ample time will be allocated for questions. This symposium is supported by the efforts of members of the Genetics and Pain SIG.