The Institute of Neurophysiology investigates the role of sodium channels and cellular excitability in the development of neuropathic pain. Using human-induced pluripotent stem cells, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and Patch-Seq, we aim to decipher the underlying mechanisms and establish the basis for developing new, personalized or population-based therapeutic options. We work closely with clinical colleagues and integrate our findings with data from electronic health trackers, such as PainWatch. 

At the Institute of Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, we explore the genetic foundations of pain perception and the causes of hereditary pain disorders. Using molecular genetic analyses and whole-genome sequencing, we search for genetic variations that may lead to reduced or increased pain sensitivity in affected individuals. New variants or previously unknown genes are further characterized through functional analyses in close collaboration with other research groups. This work aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pain perception and pave the way for effective future treatments.

The research focus of the Biophysical Pharmacology of Ion Channels group (Prof. Hausmann) at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology is the molecular function and biophysics of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. We are interested in understanding the dynamic molecular mechanisms responsible for the activation, gating behavior, ion permeation, conductance, and selectivity of these ion channels. Additionally, we conduct drug screening on ion channels to identify molecular determinants of subtype-specific drug interactions and to understand how P2X receptors (a class of ligand-gated ion channels) and NaV channels (a class of voltage-gated ion channels) can be selectively targeted by drugs. In the future, for example, pain-related mutations (variants) in voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) could be specifically modulated for precision therapy.

Our research group focuses on two main areas:

1. Discovery of new disease genes in the context of rare neuromuscular diseases, determination of the disease relevance of specific gene mutations, and establishment of gene-disease relationships.
2. Development of early disease detection and progression markers to prepare for clinical trials (trial readiness).

Supported by IZKF, DFG, and other funding programs (e.g., ASPIRE 2018), our methodologies include genetic studies, clinical-neurological examinations, electroneurography, sudomotor testing, nerve and muscle ultrasound, and whole-body muscle MRI studies. Our work has been recognized by the German Society for Muscular Diseases (DGM 2021), the German Society for Neurology (DGN 2021), the RADIZ Rare Disease Initiative (2015), and the International Congress on Neuromuscular Disorders (ICNMD 2022).

We participate in the national CMT registry, the international THAOS registry, the GENESIS Network, and the European Neuromuscular Research Network (EURO-NMD). In collaboration with other centers, we include patients in various multicenter studies, such as the global SORD Natural History Study. Furthermore, we have established a registry for genetic and idiopathic neuropathic pain syndromes and small fiber neuropathies through the Sodium Channel Network Aachen.

Within the RWTH Aachen University Hospital, we collaborate closely with the Institutes of Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Neuropathology, Molecular Cell Biology, and the Departments of Neuropediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Pain and Palliative Medicine.

The Autonomous Nervous System Clinic plays a central role in researching and treating diseases of the autonomic nervous system, particularly those involving small fiber neuropathies. These rare but often severe conditions affect the small nerve fibers responsible for regulating basic bodily functions such as circulation, digestion, and temperature control.

Our team investigates the pathophysiology of autonomic neuropathies to understand the mechanisms underlying the diverse symptoms of these diseases. The goal of our research is to improve diagnostic methods and develop new therapeutic approaches to enhance the quality of life for affected patients.

By closely linking clinical care and scientific research, we ensure that current research findings are directly applied to patient care. We use diagnostic techniques to provide a thorough assessment of autonomic functions and develop individualized treatment strategies.

Our work is interdisciplinary and benefits from close collaboration with other research groups both nationally and internationally. Together, we aim to continuously improve the understanding and treatment of autonomic neuropathies.

At the Chair of Chemosensation, we analyze the neurophysiological principles of sensory detection and processing of olfactory information. Using wild-type and genetically modified mouse models, we investigate signal transduction mechanisms in peripheral sensory tissues and the subsequent information processing in various brain regions. Our research projects combine molecular biology, biochemical, cell-physiological, and behavioral analytical methods.

According to estimates, up to 12 million people suffer from chronic pain in Germany alone. The chronification of pain is based on a complex and hitherto poorly understood interplay of biological and psychological mechanisms. As a result, pain loses its function as an acute sensory warning signal, while the emotional component of pain comes to the fore. 
The 'Psychobiology of chronic pain' working group investigates the interactions between plastic changes in the (peripheral and central) nervous system and psychological processes (perception, experience, behavior) in order to better understand the development and maintenance of chronic pain. For this purpose, we combine psychometric, behavioural, and physiological methods, which we use in an experimental context in our pain laboratory and/or during functional magnetic resonance imaging. The aim is to derive innovative and mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. The focus of our research is currently on neuropathic pain syndromes (e.g., post-amputation pain, small fiber neuropathy) and pain processing in people with mental disorders.