Wouldn't hurt a fly: novel pain drug targets from Drosophila

Dr. Ganter uses both powerful genetic tools and model system, Drosophila, to identify potential novel drug targets for the treatment of chronic pain. Coupling cell-specific RNA interference tools with behavioral analysis, Dr. Ganter’s group has identified some 15 components of a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway that produces sensitization after injury in the fly. Preliminary evidence suggests that the well-conserved BMP pathway may also regulate injury-induced pain sensitization in the rat. These components represent novel targets for drugs that may relieve pain in humans.