Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0004-1870-3609

Date of Graduation

8-2026

Document Type

Thesis (MS)

Program Affiliation

Biomedical Sciences

Degree Name

Masters of Science (MS)

Advisor/Committee Chair

Seung-Hee Yoo, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Zheng Chen, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Mark J. Burish, M.D., Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristin Eckel Mahan, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Goo Jun, Ph.D.

Abstract

Cluster headache (CH) is a highly debilitating primary headache disorder that affects 0.1% of the global population. Emerging studies suggest that CH displays pronounced circadian rhythmicity in CH attacks. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified MERTK as a susceptibility gene linked to CH. We recently revealed that Mertk plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and coordinating intercellular networks within the trigeminal ganglion (TG), thereby contributing to chronic Nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced hypersensitivity. Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, my analysis revealed that Mertk is primarily expressed in satellite glial cells, endothelial cells, and myofibroblasts in the TG. Furthermore, Mertk KO mice demonstrated widespread remodeling of the neuronal landscape compared to wild-type mice, accompanied by decreased Bax mRNA expression. Finally, I found that multiple signaling pathways (e.g., the galectin, neuregulin, and ICAM pathways) within the intercellular communication network were altered in Mertk KO mice. These transcriptomic datasets provide a compelling molecular gateway toward understanding the pain behavior phenotype observed in Mertk KO mice.

Keywords

Cluster headache, Mertk, Trigeminal ganglion, Nitroglycerin-induced pain model, Single-cell RNA sequencing

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Available for download on Friday, August 06, 2027

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