Duquesne University · BiologyLaboratory of Pain Mechanisms and Sex Differences
John Archie Pollock · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. John Pollock's research lab at Duquesne University focuses on understanding how pain is processed differently in male and female rats at a molecular level. By studying specific genes and their variations, the lab aims to uncover why treatments for pain relief can vary based on sex, which could lead to more effective therapies for chronic pain and reduce reliance on opioids. Undergraduates will engage in hands-on research using advanced techniques to explore this topic further.
RNA splicingpain researchsex differencesneuroinflammationgene expressionchronic painpain relieftranscription factorsrat models
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of ATF3 gene splice isoforms in pain and pain relief.
AIM 02Analyze sex-specific gene expression in dorsal root ganglia during pain.
AIM 03Explore the molecular signaling pathways involved in neuroinflammation.
AIM 04Train undergraduate students in advanced pain research techniques.
AIM 05Develop strategies to inform better pain management therapies.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA sequencingfluorescent in situ hybridizationcell cultureanimal modelsgene expression analysismolecular cloningbioinformaticsdrug delivery methodsWestern blotting
Output against the department
Publications70bottom 19% of dept.831st of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.6kbottom 10% of dept.929th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.