Dorsal root ganglion neuron (DRG neuron) (DRG neuron)

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are a specialized population of primary sensory neurons located in the spinal ganglia that transmit sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system [NIH, StatPearls]. They are pseudo-unipolar cells that play a critical role in the transduction and transmission of stimuli such as pain, temperature, touch, and proprioception [Wikipedia, NIH]. In pathological states like chronic or neuropathic pain, these neurons undergo maladaptive changes, including hyperexcitability and altered gene expression of ion channels and receptors [NIH, PMC]. Consequently, DRG neurons are a major focus for therapeutic intervention, serving as the site for local drug delivery, gene therapy, and neuromodulation techniques like DRG stimulation [NIH, BMJ]. Pharmacological targeting of these neurons often involves modulating specific proteins expressed on their membranes, such as voltage-gated sodium channels and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels [NIH, Frontiers]. By targeting the DRG, clinicians aim to alleviate pain while minimizing the central nervous system side effects associated with systemic analgesics [NIH, PMC].

Other names

Primary sensory neuronSpinal ganglion neuronNociceptorFirst-order neuronAfferent neuron

Drugs targeting components of dorsal root ganglion neurons primarily act through the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels (e.g., Nav1.7, Nav1.8), modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (e.g., Cav2.2), or the activation and subsequent desensitization of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (e.g., TRPV1) [NIH, PMC]. Additionally, neuromodulation techniques involve the use of electrical stimulation to alter the firing patterns of these neurons to alleviate chronic pain [StatPearls, BMJ].