Sascha Alles

Sascha Alles is Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine with joint appointments in the Department of Neurosciences and Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine. His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of chronic pain using electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral approaches in human-derived tissues and animal models. Research focuses on ion channel function in nociception, neuroimmune interactions, and developing non-opioid therapeutics.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Alberta (2011-2016)
• B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Imperial College London (2007-2010)

Primary research interests encompass:

• Dorsal root ganglia electrophysiology
• Cholecystokinin receptor signaling
• Epigenetic pain modulation
• Human iPSC-derived sensory neurons
• Plant-derived analgesics

Recent publications demonstrate advanced techniques in transcriptomic profiling of human sensory neurons, machine learning classification of neuronal subtypes, and development of antibody-based pain therapies. Articles frequently integrate electrophysiological data with molecular biology approaches to validate therapeutic targets.

Teaches 'Pain Mechanisms' in the MD program and mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers including Aleyah Goins (PhD candidate) and Alexis Gravelle (BSc candidate). Leads NIH UG3 and DoD CDMRP funded projects on neuropathic pain mechanisms and serves as editor for Frontiers in Pain Research.