Molecular histochemical analysis of neuroplasticity-related gene expression in pain pathway

I am deeply honored to receive the 2026 John Bonica Prize for distinguished lifetime achievement in the basic science of pain. Reflecting on 40 years of research, this review paper will summarize my key findings to date. For the past four decades, my research has focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pain using animal models. By integrating morphological techniques with molecular biology, behavioral analysis, and electrophysiological recordings, I have sought to clarify how pain signals are modulated and sustained under chronic pain conditions. Since the early stages of my career, I have been particularly interested in the diverse molecular dynamics within pain pathways and their functional significance. This long-term research has been driven by the conviction that a detailed analysis of gene expression changes within pain pathways-particularly those associated with neuroplasticity-is essential to understanding the mechanisms underlying intractable pain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of our investigation into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of chronic pain, focusing on gene expression analyses related mainly to dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord plasticity, alongside historically significant contributions from the global pain research community. Finally, I will also discuss recent methodological advances and their applications, as well as the challenges and future directions facing basic pain research.