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The de la Peña Lab is dedicated to uncovering the complex molecular mechanisms behind chronic pain and its related conditions, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. We use a multifaceted approach, combining techniques such as high-throughput next-generation sequencing, human tissue analysis, molecular biology, pharmacology, and animal models, to identify potential targets for pain relief and develop non-addictive therapies. As part of the Translational Pain Research Group of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, we are committed to improving the lives of countless individuals affected by chronic pain.
Research philosophy
Research is the freedom of being able to ask questions, make hypotheses, test them, make mistakes, and solve problems along the way. It's not just about publishing papers or getting grants- which are also important - but having the ability to use creativity, follow clues, and work hard, hoping that one day what we have learned in the lab can positively impact the lives of those who are suffering from chronic conditions such as on-going pain.
Recent publications
de la Peña, J.B., Chase, R., Kunder, N., Smith, P.R., Lou, T.F., Stanowick, A.D., Suresh, P., Shukla, T., Butcher, S., Price, T., and Campbell, Z.T. (2023). Journal of Neuroscience, 43.16 (2023): 2921-2933. PMC10124962
The RNA-binding protein HuR is integral to the function of nociceptors in mice and humans.
Kunder, N.*, de la Peña, J.B.*, Lou, T.F., Chase, R., Suresh, P., Lawson, J., Shukla, T., Black, B.J. and Campbell, Z.T., (2022). Journal of Neuroscience, 42 (49), 9129-9141. PMC9761683
Intercellular Arc signaling regulates vasodilation.
de la Peña, J.B., Barragan-Iglesias, P., Lou, T.F., Kunder, N., Loerch, S., Shukla, T., Basavarajappa, L., Song, J., James, D., Megat, S., Moy, J. and Wangzhou, A., Ray, P., Hoyt, K., Steward, O., Price, T., Shepherd, J., Campbell, Z. (2021). Journal of Neuroscience, 41(37), pp.7712-7726. PMC8445061
A Role for Translational Regulation by S6 Kinase and a Downstream Target in Inflammatory Pain.
de la Peña, J.B., Kunder, N., Lou, T.F., Chase R.L., Stanowick A., Barragan-Iglesias, P.… Campbell Z.T., (2021). British Journal of Pharmacology, 178(23), pp.4675-4690. PMC9169231
June Bryan I. de la Peña, RN, MS, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care
University of New Mexico
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