Neuronal lipid rafts regulate neuropathic pain via modulation of TRPV1 and NMDA receptor membrane dynamics

Nociceptive signaling relies on the activation and opening of ion channels that localize in cholesterol-rich lipid raft membrane domains. Non-ion channel receptors triggered during injury, inflammation, and pain can interact with and regulate ion channels' activity. We tested if neuropathic pain conditions increase lipid rafts in neuronal membranes, the functional implications of this increase, and their targetability. Using mouse models of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), we analyzed lipid raft content and receptor-channel interactions in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) neurons ex-vivo.