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GLYT2-EXPRESSING NEURONS IN THE PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY FORM LONG-RANGE PROJECTIONS TO REGULATE PAIN AND ANXIETY
Karin Aubreyand 7 co-authors
Kolling Institute and University of Sydney
FENS Forum 2026 (2026)
Barcelona, Spain
Board PS02-07PM-159
Presentation
Date TBA
Board: PS02-07PM-159
Event Information
Poster Board
PS02-07PM-159
Poster
View posterAbstract
Pain is a multidimensional experience shaped by both sensory input and emotional context. The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a critical integrative hub that modulates both sensory and emotional responses to pain in humans and rodents. Despite its central role, the underlying circuitry supporting its diverse functions remains incompletely understood. Here, we examine for the first time the mechanisms by which glycine transporter-2 expressing (GlyT2-PAG neurons), which are concentrated in the ventrolateral PAG, contribute to midbrain function. Our study identifies GlyT2-PAG neurons as key modulators of pain, anxiety, and exploratory behavior. In contrast to the dominant circuit model, these neurons are projection neurons that target both descending and ascending brain regions, including emotional and motivational centres and the function of these projections is differentially affected by a chronic pain state. This work expands our understanding of PAG organization and reveals a novel pathway by which nociceptive signals can be integrated with affective states.
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