About My Research

Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Neuropathic Pain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, characterized by demyelination and inflammation, leading to a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Among the many debilitating symptoms experienced by individuals with MS, neuropathic pain is a significant and often overlooked comorbidity, affecting more than half of MS patients. Current treatments for MS largely focus on mitigating motor dysfunction, yet they frequently fall short in addressing MS-associated neuropathic pain (MSNP). Available analgesics provide only partial relief, benefiting just 30% of those affected, which underscores a critical gap in our understanding of the neuroimmune mechanisms driving MSNP. My research is dedicated to elucidating these mechanisms, culminating in my doctoral dissertation titled “Microglia and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 in the Spinal Cord Regulate Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis”.

The pathophysiology of MS involves the activation of proinflammatory microglia, a process that is replicated in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. Previous studies have demonstrated that inhibiting or knocking out specific microglia-related proteins can prevent or reduce neuropathic pain behaviors in various models of non-MS neuropathy. This highlights the essential role of microglial activation in the progression of MSNP and its associated behavioral symptoms.

One of the most promising avenues of investigation has been the use of fingolimod, an FDA-approved treatment for MS, which has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating allodynia and hyperalgesia in rodent models of chronic pain, including peripheral neuropathic pain. Despite its clinical use, the precise mechanisms by which fingolimod exerts its antiallodynic effects in MSNP remain unclear. Our laboratory has made significant strides in addressing this knowledge gap, focusing on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) as a target for both the treatment of MSNP.

My dissertation research sought to further dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which S1PR1 signaling modulates MSNP. Specifically, I aim to identify the critical cell types—such as microglia or other immune cells—that contribute to the persistence of pain in MS, and how targeting these pathways could offer therapeutic benefits. By advancing our understanding of the interactions between the immune and nervous systems in MS, I hope to contribute to the development of more effective treatments for MS-associated pain.

Skills

  • Expert in translating complex scientific data into clear, unbiased insights for healthcare professionals, sales teams, and cross-functional collaborators. Established network of biotechnology and pharmaceutical professionals in the Pittsburgh area.

  • Deep knowledge in neurobiology, pain mechanisms, and neuroimmune research; proven track record of quickly adapting to new therapeutic areas.

  • Familiar with IRB, NIH grant requirements and regulatory considerations for preclinical research.

  • Experienced in hypothesis-driven studies, statistical analyses (Prism), and presentation of results to academic and clinical audiences.

  • Skilled at establishing scientific and clinical relationships with key opinion leaders, academic centers, and healthcare decision makers.

  • Multiple peer-reviewed articles and invited presentations at major scientific conferences, demonstrating strong oral and written communication.

  • Adept at handling concurrent projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining meticulous documentation for complex research initiatives.

  • Skilled in analyzing scientific landscapes to identify gaps and opportunities for impactful scientific exchange.

  • Skilled in cross-disciplinary teamwork, effectively collaborating with medical, research, and pharmaceutical teams to advance neuroscience research and development.

  • Exceptional in organizational abilities, time management, and goal setting, ensuring efficient progress in fast-paced work environments.

  • Skilled in managing documentation, ensuring informational accuracy, and generating precise reports to support decision-making.

Laboratory Skills

  • Proficient in tissue processing, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, histology and unbiased stereology, specializing in neurology-related tissue analysis and microscopy.

  • Experienced in intracranial cannulations, various pain models (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Spared Nerve Injury, and CFA), and various Injection methods (intrathecal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, oral gavage).

  • Skilled in behavioral tests (Von Frey, CPP/CPA, Acetone) and behavioral pharmacology in disease models, with a focus on pain assessment and drug efficacy.

  • Proficient in statistical analysis using Prism, adept at interpreting and presenting complex data.

  • Strong public speaking and scientific writing skills, effective in disseminating research findings and contributing to scientific literature.

Publications

Nguyen, K.L., Lamerand, S.R., Deshpande, R.P., Taylor, B.K. (2022). Selective ablation of IB4+ primary afferent neurons reduces mechanical and cold hyperalgesia in an EAE mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Targeting Trends 2021 Review. Advanced Targeting Systems.

Mork, B. E., Lamerand, S. R., Zhou, S., Taylor, B. K., & Sheets, P. L. (2022). Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonist SEW2871 alters membrane properties of late-firing somatostatin expressing neurons in the central lateral amygdala. Neuropharmacology, 203, 108885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108885

Cooper, A. H., Hedden, N. S., Corder, G., Lamerand, S. R., Morales-Medina, J. C., Donahue, R. R., Selan, L., Prasoon, P., & Taylor, B. K. (2021). Endogenous µ - ­ opioid receptor activity in the lateral and capsular subdivisions of the right central nucleus of the amygdala prevents chronic postoperative pain. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24846

Lamerand, S., Shahidehpour, R., Ayala., Gefen, T., Mesulam, MM., Bigio, E., Geula, C (2020). Calbindin-D 28K, Parvalbumin and Calretinin in Young and Aged Human Locus Coeruleus. Neurobiology of Aging, 94, 243-249.

Mañas, A., Davis, A., Lamerand, S., & Xiang, J. (2018). Detection of pro-apoptotic Bax∆2 proteins in the human cerebellum. Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 150(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-018-1669-6

Maniscripts currently in preparation or submitted are not listed and available upon request

Presentations

Oral Presentations

Lamerand, S. (October 2024). Microglia Signaling in Multiple Sclerosis Associated Neuropathic Pain. Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL. -Minisymposium on Central and Peripheral Neurobiological Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

Lamerand, S. (May 2023). Modulation of Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis (MSNP) by Spinal Microglia and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor S1PR1. University of Pittsburgh Safar Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA.

Lamerand, S. (April 2023). Modulation of Multiple Sclerosis Pain by Spinal Microglia and S1PR1. Basic Science SIG at US Association of the Study of Pain (USASP), Durham, NC.

Poster Presentations

Lamerand, S.R., Jain, R., Anumolu, A., Steber, S., Deshpande, R., Taylor, B.K. (October 2024). Spinal Microglia Maintain Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Neuropathic Pain. Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.

Lamerand, S.R., Sheets, P.L., Taylor, B.K. (October 2024) Somatostatin Neurons and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 in the Amygdala Reduce Inflammatory Pain. Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.

Lamerand, S.R., Jain, R., Anumolu, A., Steber, S., Deshpande, R., Taylor, B.K. (August 2024). Spinal Microglia Maintain Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Neuropathic Pain. International Association for the Study of Pain, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Lamerand, S.R., Nguyen, K.L., Taylor, B.K. (November 2022). Spinal S1PR1 Agonism Reduces Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis. Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA.

Lamerand, S.R., Cooper, A.H., Sheets, P.L., Taylor, B.K. (September 2022). S1PR1 Agonism in the Central Amygdala Reduces Peripheral Neuropathic pain. International Association for the Study of Pain, Toronto, Canada.

Lamerand, S.R., Cooper, A.H., Sheets, P.L., Taylor, B.K. (November 2021). S1PR1 Agonism in the Central Amygdala Reduces Neuropathic Pain. Society for Neuroscience - Virtual

Lamerand, S., Shahidehpour. R., Ayala, I., Mesulam, MM., Bigio, E., Geula, C. (October 2019). Quantitative Analysis of Calbindin-D28K Immunoreactivity in Locus Coeruleus Neurons of Young and Aged Human Brains. Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.

Lamerand, S., Kieffer, K., Kim, G., Shahidehpour, R., Mesulam, M., & Geula, C. (November 2018). Calbindin-D28K and Parvalbumin Immunoreactivities are Virtually Absent from Human Locus Coeruleus Noradrenergic Neurons. Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA.

Lamerand, S., & Xiang, J., (August 2016). Detection of BaxΔ2 in the Brain Prominently within the Cerebellum. Illinois Institute of Technology Annual Biology, Chemistry and Physics Poster Showcase, Chicago, IL.

Other Contributions

Ayala, I., Pan, Y., Bahrami, A., Lamerand, S., Shahidehpour, R., Gefen, T., Bigio, E., Mesulam, MM., Geula, C. (October 2019). Status of Prefrontal Cortex Synaptic Proteins in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration with TDP-43 Pathology. Nanosymposium at Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.

Kim, G., Ayala, I., Lamerand, S., Shahidehpour, R., Gefen, T., Weintraub, S., Bigio, E., Mesulam, MM., Geula, C. (October 2019). Neuronal Number and Size Display Concordance with Disease Phenotype in Primary Progressive Aphasia with TDP-43 Pathology. Nanosymposium at Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.

Awards, and Honors

Funding Awards

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31)Microglia and S1PR1 Signaling in Multiple Sclerosis Associated Neuropathic Pain - NIH NINDS (September 2022 - August 2025)

T32 – Training in Mechanisms and Clinical Presentation of Pain - Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (September 2021 – August 2022)

T32 – Predoctoral Training in Basic Neuroscience - Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh (September 2020 – August 2021)

Other Awards and Honors

Bio-Techne Travel Award - Society for Neuroscience (Fall 2024)

First Place Oral Presentation Award – Safar Symposium - Safar Center for Resuscitation Research University of Pittsburgh (Spring 2023)

BGSA Symposium Outstanding Poster Award - Biomedical Graduate Student Association, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2022)

Society for Neuroscience Conference William and June Pizzi Travel Award - Illinois Institute of Technology (Fall 2018)

Undergraduate Research Fellowship - Illinois Institute of Technology (Summer 2017)