Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Cell Subtype-specific Analysis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome in Somatosensory Neurons
Published on: October 10, 2025
Kainate Receptors in Sensory Neurons: Molecular Identity and Functional Relevance to Pain
1Instituto de Neurociencias, UMH-CSIC, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
None:
Kainate receptors (KARs) are members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family and possess diverse structural and functional properties that play critical roles in synaptic signaling, plasticity, and neural development. Several KAR subunits are strongly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons, and while their involvement in pain has been suggested, their precise role remains unclear. This review re-evaluates the roles of KARs in sensory physiology, with a particular focus on pain mechanisms. By combining recent single-cell transcriptomic data from dorsal root ganglia neurons with experimental evidence on KAR diversity, signaling, and function, we highlight how these receptors may shape sensory processing under normal and pathological conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
Pain
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism....
Analgesia and Pain Management
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

