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Faculty Profile Last Modified Time: 01:41:13 PM Mon, 20 Apr 2020   Contact Information Feng Tao Associated Profiles  Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry   3302 Gaston Avenue, Room No.: 417    tao@tamhsc.edu     214-828-8272    Web Link    Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain, TMJ Pain, Migraine Headache    Associated Profiles Professional Preparation Research and Expertise Appointments  Professional Preparation  Degree Major Institution Year  PhD Neurobiology Fudan University Shanghai Medical College 2000  MS Neurophysiology Shanghai Medical University 1992  MD Medicine Wannan Medical College 1986  Research and Expertise Research Interests   Dr. Tao's research interests focuses on the central mechanisms underlying pain transmission and the transition from acute to chronic pain after surgery. To date, the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the transition from adaptive acute pain to maladaptive chronic pain have not been fully understood. Chronic postsurgical pain provides a special opportunity to study pathogenic mechanisms for the transition from an acute to a chronic pain state. Previous studies have shown that psychosocial and socio-environmental factors are involved in the development of chronic postsurgical pain. Dr. Tao's laboratory combines plantar incision with stress or chronic alcohol consumption to investigate the pain transition process after surgery. It was found that stress or chronic alcohol consumption induces the transition from acute to chronic postsurgical pain through the regulation of AMPA receptor function. The results identified stress and chronic alcohol consumption as risk factors for the development of chronic neuropathic pain after surgery. These findings help predict which patients are at greater risk for developing chronic pain after surgical procedures. His laboratory also characterizes the antinociceptive effect of neuromodulation using optogenetics. In the clinic, use of invasive electrical or non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation of brain structures has been reported for the alleviation of intractable chronic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effect of neuromodulation remain to be illustrated. The recent development of optogenetics, a revolutionary research tool, combines the delivery of light having specific wavelengths (opto) with the introduction of genes encoding light-sensitive transmembrane channels (genetics) and makes possible highly precise spatial and temporal control of specific neuronal populations. In this project, they will utilize optogenetic manipulation to investigate the mechanisms by which neuromodulation controls pain. Recently, Dr. Tao has developed a new line of research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of migraine headache. Migraine is the third most common disease worldwide. However, the pathophysiology contributing to migraine headache is still unclear. This study will determine the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of migraine headache, which in turn may lead to important insights into developing a new therapy for migraine.  Publications/Creative Works Click here to search for this faculty member's publications on PubMed.  Appointments Title Department / School Institution Associate Professor Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College of Dentistry

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