Inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord that suppress itch

Chronic itch occurs in many diseases, and is a common condition for which we lack suitable
treatments. Recent studies have shown that a particular type of genetically-modified mouse
develops chronic itch, and have suggested that this is due to loss of a population of nerve cells from
the spinal cord. These cells are thought to be activated by scratching the skin (and other stimuli that
suppress itch), and to inhibit activity in the itch pathway. In this project, we will test this hypothesis
by inactivating these cells in adult mice, and testing the hypothesis that this leads to increased itch.