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The de la Peña Lab is dedicated to uncovering the complex molecular mechanisms behind chronic pain. 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
The circular RNA landscape of human dorsal root ganglia and its association with opioid exposure
Koch, M.R., Demeter, J.B., Shilling, M.W., Alles, S.R., Westlund, K.N., Ehsanian, R. and de la Peña, J.B.I., 2025. The circular RNA landscape of human dorsal root ganglia and its association with opioid exposure. bioRxiv, pp.2025-02.
Demeter, J.B., Zurek, N.A., Koch, M.R., Goins, A.E., Holguin, C.O., Shilling, M.W., Davis, M.S., Ehsanian, R., Alles, S.R. and de la Peña, J.B.I., 2025. Gabapentin’s effect on human dorsal root ganglia: Donor-specific electrophysiological and transcriptomic profiles. Molecular Pain, 21, p.17448069251361712, PMID: 40657722, PMCID: PMC12368406, DOI: 10.1177/17448069251361712
de la Peña, J.B., García, G. and Campbell, Z.T., 2025. Ribosome profiling reveals that post-transcriptional control of Nalf1 by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L is required for paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Pain, 166(9), pp.2091-2102. PMID: 40839605, PMCID: PMC12353069, DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003577
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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