Researchers from the Heidelberg Pain Consortium, Prof. Martin Schmelz ( project A01) and Dr Hans Jürgen Solinski ( Project  Z02-INF) have contributed to a landmark international study published in Cell, uncovering the molecular identity of human dermal “sleeping nociceptors.” This major scientific advance provides long-awaited insight into a key class of sensory neurons implicated in chronic pain and itch, and establishes an important foundation for the development of future targeted therapies. The publication highlights the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration within the Heidelberg Pain Consortium and its strong integration into international research networks. Read More (hyperlink and then the following text will appear) Approximately 10-20% of the population suffer from chronic pain or itch, which are frequently associated with spontaneous activity of sleeping nociceptors. These neurons can become spontaneously active to cause persistent pain or itch even without an external stimulus. Strikingly, inflammation can awaken the mechano-sensitivity of these neurons, completely altering their physiological phenotype. Although the functional properties of these fibers have been known for many years, their molecular identity remained unclear, thereby lacking a critical prerequisite for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Prof. Martin Schmelz and Dr. Hans Jürgen Solinski from the Department of Experimental Pain Research (Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience) joined an international research team, led by Prof. Angelika Lampert (RWTH Aachen) and Dr. Shreejoy Tripathy (University of Toronto), that has now closed this key knowledge gap. By combining high-resolution electrophysiological recordings with techniques that read the genetic activity of individual neurons (RNA-sequencing), the researchers identified a clearly defined neuronal population with sleeping nociceptor properties. Importantly, the team used pigs as a key translational model, as pigs possess sleeping nociceptors in their skin that closely resemble those found in humans. The team’s analyses reveal that sleeping nociceptors are defined by a specific molecular signature, which includes, among other components, the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) and the neuropeptide somatostatin (SST). Co-second author Dr. Solinski comments: “It was a great surprise to find this neuron-type had sleeping nociceptor properties, as it was previously implicated in the detection of various forms of chemical itch in mice and mice do not possess dermal sleeping nociceptors. Our work is therefore a good example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can overcome existing thematic boundaries and methodological hurdles.” Amongst others, the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.9 (SCN11A), highly expressed in and functionally important for sleeping nociceptors, was identified as an interesting new drug target that might be exploited to quiet these neurons in the context of chronic itch or pain. Finally, the team translated their findings back to humans by performing self-experiments on several senior study authors. These experiments clearly showed that oncostatin M, which activates OSMR, specifically modulates sleeping nociceptors in the human skin, confirming the molecular predictions obtained in pigs directly in humans. Collectively, the team established a new conceptual framework for understanding the emergence of neuropathic pain and itch at the molecular level: This will open concrete perspectives for the development of new, targeted therapies in the future. Silent nociceptors have been the central research theme of Prof. Schmelz’ scientific career. He thus appreciates the particular visibility cast on this topic and on CRC 1158 by this prestigious publication. Reflective of the intense collaboration in our CRC, he also highlights: “This work was only possible by a large research team, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary and international cooperation. The success of the study relied on the close integration of specialized centers in Germany, Canada, London and the United States”. *Publication Körner J, Howard D, Solinski HJ et al. Molecular architecture of human dermal sleeping nociceptors.2026, Cell 189, 1–16 March 19, 2026 © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc Press release in English (Read above) Press release in German:

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Zieglgänsberger, a pioneering neuroscientist and cherished mentor, at the age of 84 in October 2024. A luminary in the study of neurophysiology and synaptic plasticity, Walter’s groundbreaking research illuminated the intricacies of pain mechanisms and their modulation. His dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the brain laid the foundation for innovative approaches in pain management and neuroscience. Beyond his scientific achievements, Walter was a devoted mentor, inspiring countless students and colleagues with his boundless curiosity, and unwavering support. His warmth and wisdom shaped a generation of neuroscientists, fostering a legacy that will endure in the annals of science and in the hearts of those he guided. Walter Zieglgänsberger leaves behind an indelible mark on neuroscience and on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will forever resonate. For more information,

Pain Research Grant 2024 Dr. Alina Stegemann, Dr Oskar Retana and Dr Sheng Liu (SFB1158 Young Scientists), Institute of Pharmacology at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, was awarded the “Förderpreis für Schmerzforschung” (German Pain Research Award) in the category, “Basic Research: Experimental Work or Work on Subjects” at the German Pain Congress in October. They were recognized for their work, “Prefrontal engrams of long-term fear memory perpetuate pain perception”. The three awardees will receive 7,000 euros. This study investigates the overlap between fear and pain memory in the prefrontal cortex and examines how an existing fear memory influences the perception of acute and chronic pain. This work opens pathways for integrating psychiatric therapeutic approaches, such as extinction learning and prefrontal modulation, into chronic pain management. Combining these strategies with pharmacological agents like NMDA receptor agonists and endocannabinoid activators may enhance fear extinction and reduce pain-associated fear renewal. Dr. Julia Gröner (SFB1158 Young Scientist) from the University Hospital Würzburg won second place in the category, “Clinical research: for studies on patients” with his work “Small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease model and pilot data”. Dr Gröner will each receive €1.750. This study is focused on Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of fat compounds, known as sphingolipids, in various cells, including nerve cells. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of Fabry disease and opens new avenues for developing targeted treatments to alleviate pain and improve patient outcomes. The “Förderpreis für Schmerzforschung” (Pain Research Award) is a prestigious award presented annually by the Deutsche Schmerzgesellschaft e.V. (German Pain Society). Established in 1987 and sponsored by Grünenthal GmbH, this award honors outstanding contributions in pain research, particularly those that significantly advance interdisciplinary and practical therapies for acute and chronic pain. For English, please read above.

Prof. Dr Rohini Kuner and Prof. Dr. Herta Flor and have been awarded with highly prestigious and valuable funding from the European Research Council (ERC). Rohini Kuner is a renowned neuropharmacologist  and with her research in the context of the ERC project “Uncovering the Cortical Cellular Basis of Specificity and Chronicity of Pain” (PAIN ENSEMBLES), she explores the question of which neuronal ensembles – coactive neurons intermingled in networks – contribute to the specificity and chronicity of pain. Prof. Dr. Herta Flor is a distinguished neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist and her ERC project “A Mechanism-based Approach to the Prevention of Chronic Pain and its Comorbid Mental Disorders” (MECHPAIN) concentrates on chronic pain which typically goes hand in hand with mental disorders like depression or states of anxiety and, despite enormous efforts by the health system, is still hard to treat. The awards total to 4.9 million euros. Press release of Heidelberg University (in English)

Manfred Zimmermann, a pioneering pain researcher and dedicated mentor, passed away at the age of 90 in May 2024. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in pain mechanisms and neurobiology, Zimmermann’s research transformed our understanding of chronic pain, laying the foundation for new therapeutic approaches. His passion for science was matched only by his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, guiding countless students and colleagues. A tireless advocate for advancing pain research, he inspired all who knew him with his energy, curiosity, and compassion. Zimmermann’s legacy will endure through his profound contributions to science and the many lives he touched. For more information about Prof. Zimmermann.

Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Thomas Kuner and Collaborators for Winning the BIAL Award in Biomedicine!! We are delighted to announce that Prof. Dr. Thomas Kuner (PI, Project B08) and his team have been awarded the BIAL Award in Biomedicine, along with a €300,000 prize. This prestigious award recognizes their groundbreaking discovery on how healthy nerve cells interact with glioblastoma tumor cells, promoting tumor spread. Press release from the BIAL Foundation: https://bialfoundation.com/com/agregador-noticias/posts/bial-award-in-biomedicine-2023-distinguishes-pioneering-research-in-brain-cancer/ Press release from the Heidelberg University: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/high-honour-for-ground-breaking-findings-on-brain-tumours Press release from the Medical faculty, University Hospital Heidelberg:https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/newsroom/en/award-for-pioneering-findings-on-brain-tumors-

Pain Research Grant 2023 Dr. Zheng Gan (SFB1158 Young Scientist), Institute of Pharmacology at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, was awarded the German Pain Research Award in the category, “Basic Research: Experimental Work or Work on Subjects” at the German Pain Congress in October. He was recognized for his work, “Layer-specific pain relief pathways originating from primary motor cortex”. Dr. Martin Löffler (SFB1158 Young Scientist) from the Central Institute of Mental Health won first place in the category, “Clinical research: for studies on patients” with his work “Corticostriatal circuits in the transition to chronic back pain: The predictive role of reward learning”. The two prize winners will each receive €7,000. The prize, which is awarded by the German Pain Society (Deutsche Schmerzgesellschaft e.V.), supports work in the field of application-oriented research and implemented basic research that has made a significant contribution to the interdisciplinary, practice-oriented treatment of acute and chronic pain. The prize is primarily aimed at young scientists from the fields of medicine, psychology and natural sciences. Press release from the University Hospital Heidelberg: English version: (please see the above text) Deutsche Version: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/universit%C3%A4tsklinikum-heidelberg-ukhd_ukhd-universitaeutsklinikumheidelberg-heidelberg-activity-7132673033651019776-ums0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Press release from the Central Institute of Mental Health: English version: https://www.zi-mannheim.de/en/institute/news/researchers-at-cimh-honored.html Deutsche Version: https://www.zi-mannheim.de/institut/news-detail/forschende-am-zi-ausgezeichnet.html

Congratulations to our Speaker, Prof. Dr. Rohini Kuner, on being awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize! The most important research prize in Germany, the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation (DFG) recognizes Prof. Dr. Kuner’s groundbreaking work on the mechanisms underlying chronic pain. Press release from the Medical Faculty, University Hospital Heidelberg: English version: https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/newsroom/where-does-chronic-pain-come-from/ Deutsche Version: https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/newsroom/woher-kommen-chronische-schmerzen/ Press release from the University of Heidelberg: English version: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/leibniz-preis-fuer-die-neuropharmakologin-rohini-kuner-und-den-altphilologen-jonas-grethlein Deutsche Version: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/de/newsroom/leibniz-preis-fuer-die-neuropharmakologin-rohini-kuner-und-den-altphilologen-jonas-grethlein Press release from the DFG: English version: https://www.dfg.de/en/service/press/press-releases/2023/pr-23-52 Deutsche Version: https://www.dfg.de/de/service/presse/pressemitteilungen/2023/pressemitteilung-nr-52

Apply by December 10th, 2023 The Heidelberg Pain Consortium (SFB 1158), funded by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), encourages the applications for the stipend as personal funding ad personum for the student. This 6-month (40 hours/month) stipend will be provided to support meritorious medical students, with interest particularly in pain research, over the period of their MD thesis in 2024.We can also support master’s student for the period of their master’s thesis. The students will have the opportunity to work in an international scientific environment providing support for developing their career. The SFB 1158 Consortium ‘From nociception to chronic pain: Structure-function properties of neural pathways and their reorganisation’ was established in Heidelberg, Germany in July 2015 and is currently in its third funding period. Nineteen multidisciplinary scientific projects involving forty two groups spanning diverse top-class clinical and basic research institutions make this a remarkably vibrant and comprehensive collaborative centre. Research in this consortium promises to deliver a structural and functional understanding of circuits and networks underlying sensory and affective components of pain and their modulation by circumstances which induce structural reorganization and functional plasticity, including disease states and negative emotions. Optimization or development of new strategies that serve as a basis for therapeutic interventions against chronic pain will be a strong focus. How to apply: The interested candidate has to write a research proposal (maximally 2 pages) and may contact the PI of the project for additional information. The candidate can apply only for one project. The application documents should include the proposal and CV including grades from key exams (for e.g. Abitur and Physikum for MD students). Please send the application documents exclusively to: sfb1158office@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de. The following projects are available: Project (please click on the link in the title to view and download the PDF) Contact 1: Tackling the role of vasopressin in modulation of fear and pain valery.grinevich@zi-mannheim.de quirin.krabichler@zi-mannheim.de 2: Investigating momentary mechanisms and heart rate variability in a sample of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: An experience sampling study Ulrich.reininghaus@zi-mannheim.de 3: Effect of neuronal sphingolipid accumulation on mitochondrial mobility and function as contributor to peripheral denervation and pain in Fabry disease ueceyler_n@ukw.de 4: Evaluation of sepsis survivors with chronic intensive care-related pain to develop preventive strategies and treatments beatrice.oehler@med.uni-heidelberg.de 5: Structural alterations in chronic musculoskeletal pain and relationship with affective factors heike.tost@zi-mannheim.de

Congratulations to PD Dr. med. Johann Jende, co-PI in Project A03, on recently winning two awards! The Kurt-Decker-Award (German Society of Neuroradiology) for his work on magnetic resonance neurography in patients with diabetic neuropathy, and The Hans Frankel Postdoctoral Fellow Award (International Spinal Cord Society) for his work on MR-neurography in patients with spinal cord injury. Photo credits: GSN award: ©neuroRAD2023 ISCoS award: PD Dr. med. Johann Jende