Unraveling Novel Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain: From Molecular Insights to Therapeutic Innovation

Neuropathic pain, one of the most representative forms of neurogenic pain, is a major public health problem caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory nervous system. Its core pathological processes include neuronal hyperexcitability, disruption of perineuronal homeostasis, and neurogenic inflammation, clinically manifested as hyperalgesia, dysesthesia, and allodynia. Because many neuropathic and neurogenic pain conditions associated with neurological disease remain inadequately managed by existing therapies, there is an urgent need to uncover novel pathophysiological mechanisms and identify new druggable targets.Recent studies have revealed potential molecular mechanisms, but a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neuropathic and neurogenic pain is still required. This Research Topic aims to integrate molecular, cellular, and functional analyses of the nervous system with behavioral and clinical validation to advance our understanding of neurogenic pain mechanisms. We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives from human or animal studies that focus on novel molecules, signaling pathways, and pathophysiological processes underlying neuropathic and neurogenic pain. Studies employing “omics” technologies (e.g., genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics), neuroimaging, and neurophysiological assessment, combined with further functional analyses, are particularly encouraged. Investigations into transcription factors, membrane proteins, and ion channels implicated in pathological changes of the somatosensory system, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying various neurogenic pain conditions associated with neurological disease—including but not limited to trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathic pain, chemotherapy‑induced peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and other central or peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes—will be considered for publication. By revealing these novel mechanisms, we aim to provide a stronger scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical management of headache and neurogenic pain.In line with the clinical orientation of Frontiers in Neurology, we also welcome clinical studies that translate these mechanistic insights into practice, including clinical trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and studies addressing diagnostic criteria, neuroimaging or neurophysiological biomarkers, comorbidities and psychological correlates, epidemiology, and treatment or management guidelines for headache and neurogenic pain. Such clinical contributions will help bridge basic discoveries with patient care and inform evidence-based clinical decision-making. Topic editors: Wuping Sun, Xiao-Long Zhang, Makoto Tominaga Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85565/unraveling-novel-mechanisms-of-neuropathic-pain-from-molecular-insights-to-therapeutic-innovation