iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Michael D. Burton

Ewan St. John Smith @psalmotoxin.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Had a great time at our @sfn.org #PainResearch symposium yesterday, talks covering a whole range of pain states & roles of non-neuronal cells, review article for more reading: www.jneurosci.org/content/45/4... Thanks to @cherylstucky.bsky.social, @mdburton.bsky.social & Anne-Marie Heegaard!

Me, Cheryl, Anne-Marie and Michael giving talks

Ewan, Anne-Marie, Cheryl and Michael having a much deserved post-symposium dinner!

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Reposted by Michael D. Burton

Ewan St. John Smith @psalmotoxin.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

With the annual @sfn.org meeting coming up, I'm looking forward to Saturday's symposium with @cherylstucky.bsky.social , @mdburton.bsky.social & Anne-Marie Heegaard on non-neuronal cells in #PainResearch Here's our accompanying review! www.jneurosci.org/content/45/4...

Figure 1. Non-neuronal–neuron communication in the skin. (1) Non-neuronal cells and extracellular matrix in the skin. (2) When in ammatory events such as IL-6, ATP, and protease
production from injury or infection are introduced, it causes an activation of cells, a disruption in extracellular matrix, and damage to sensory neurons. (3) During in ammatory cascades,
injured or sensitized neurons potentiate pain and the development of a chronic pain state.

Figure 2. Cell–cell interactions in joint pain. Numerous pathogenic changes occur within the OA joint and other musculoskeletal conditions that can contribute to pain, including cartilage
degradation, synovitis, and bone remodeling (1). Within the joint evidence has established the role of some key non-neuronal cell types that contribute to pain (2) and some of the signaling
nociceptor activation and sensitization mechanisms involved (3). There is also growing evidence for cell–cell interactions within the DRG that contribute to pain (4). See text for more details.

Figure 3. Keratinocytes contribute to normal touch and chemotherapy-induced mechanical sensitivity through PIEZO1. Keratinocytes in the most super cial layer of the skin respond to
mechanical forces via their expression of PIEZO1 channels and activated keratinocytes release ATP which signals to P2X4 channels on cutaneous sensory nerve endings. After a patient is treated
with the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel, keratinocyte PIEZO1 is sensitized; the keratinocytes release more ATP and additional mediators, resulting in greater action potential signaling in sensory
neurons that is sent to the spinal cord and brain through touch and pain pathways.

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Reposted by Michael D. Burton

Ewan St. John Smith @psalmotoxin.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Looking forward to some exciting #PainResearch / #Neuroskyence in our Symposium: "Not just neurons: pain is orchestrated in partnership with many non-neuronal cells" @cherylstucky.bsky.social / @mdburton.bsky.social / Anne-Marie Heegaard

Programme highlighting on session on the Saturday afternoon

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Michael D. Burton @mdburton.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Excited to share a new preprint that discovered how skin fibroblasts are active participants in acute & long-term pain states & not just bystanders. We know this research, partly funded by the NIH will drive the development of new pain drugs. @elsanchez09.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

biorxiv.org

TLR4+ Dermal fibroblasts induce acute and transitional pain states

The prominence of non-neuronal cells driving pain states has gained attention in recent years. Fibroblasts, a major stromal cell, perform essential functions during inflammation, tissue remodeling, an...

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Reposted by Michael D. Burton

Banbury Center @cshlbanbury.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

This #BlackHistoryMonth, Banbury recognizes meeting participants for their significant contributions to the biosciences & society. We begin with @mdburton.bsky.social, Assoc. Prof. at @utdallas.bsky.social. We were happy to have him back at Banbury in 2024. (1/4)

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Michael D. Burton @mdburton.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

Proud to watch Shevon Alexandar defend her dissertation this past week. What an awesome part of the job to watch young scientists grow and apply their potential. She marks the 5th PhD student to graduate from the Burton Lab. She's moving on to a postdoc at @tulaneu.bsky.social @utdallas.bsky.social

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