Skip to main content

Ru-Rong Ji

William Maixner Professor of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology

Overview


I have been doing neuroscience and pain research for over 25 years in multiple academic institutes, including Duke University (2012-current), Harvard Medical School (1998-2012), Johns Hopkins Medical School, Karolinska Institute, and Peking University. The long-term goal of my lab is to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the induction and resolution of pathological pain and develop novel pain therapeutics that can target these mechanisms, with specific focus on neuroimmune interactions. We are interested in the following scientific questions. (1) How does inflammation induce and resolve pain via immune cell interaction with primary sensory neurons? (2) How does neuroinflammation drive chronic pain via activation of glial cells in the CNS (microglia and astrocytes) and PNS (satellite glial cells) and regulation of sensory neuron plasticity (peripheral sensitization) and spinal cord synaptic plasticity (central sensitization)? (3) How do specialized pro-resolution mediators (SPMs, e.g., resolvins, protectins, and maresins) control pain via GPCR signaling? (4) How do immunotherapies through the PD-L1/PD-1 and STING/IFN pathways regulate pain, cognition, and neuronal activities? (5) How do secreted miRNAs regulate pain and itch via direct activation of surface receptors and ion channels? (6) How do nerve terminals interact with cancers in chronic pain and itch? (7) How do Toll-like receptors (TLR) in primary sensory neurons sense danger signals and regulate pain and itch? (8) How do regenerative approaches such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) produce long-term pain relief via secreting anti-inflammatory factors and exosomes? We employ a multidisciplinary approach that covers in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies for animal behaviors, electrophysiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and transgenic animals. We have identified numerous therapeutic targets and filed many patents for translational studies. As the Director of the Center for Translational Pain Medicine (CTPM) and a highly cited researcher (Cross Field, Clarivate), I have both administrative and scientific leadership for successful completion of many research projects. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


William Maixner Professor of Anesthesiology · 2021 - Present Anesthesiology, Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Anesthesiology · 2012 - Present Anesthesiology, Clinical Science Departments
Director, Center for Translational Pain Medicine · 2021 - Present Anesthesiology, Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Neurobiology · 2012 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Cell Biology · 2018 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2024 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published December 3, 2024
Research & Innovation Seed Grants Total Nearly $2 Million
Published November 16, 2023
Which Duke Scholars Made the Most Cited List?
Published May 22, 2023
Biologic Used by Athletes Could Also Ease Nerve Pain from Chemo, Diabetes

View All News

Recent Publications


General Anesthesia-activated Neurons in the Central Amygdala Mediate Antinociception: Distinct Roles in Acute versus Chronic Phases of Nerve Injury.

Journal Article Anesthesiology · August 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: General anesthesia, such as isoflurane, induces analgesia (loss of pain) and loss of consciousness through mechanisms that are not fully understood. A distinct population of γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated neurons has been recently identified in t ... Full text Link to item Cite

Neuroprotectin D1 and GPR37 protect against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the transition from acute to chronic pain.

Journal Article Pharmacol Res · June 2025 Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) significantly impacts patient's quality of life and complicates cancer treatment. Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1)/protectin D1 (PD1), derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exhibits analgesic actions in animal m ... Full text Link to item Cite

Cerebrospinal fluid proteome of patients with persistent pain and/or postpartum depression after elective cesarean delivery: An exploratory prospective cohort study.

Journal Article J Clin Anesth · June 2025 BACKGROUND: Persistent pain (>2 months) after cesarean delivery (CD) can affect up to 20 % of patients, and is associated with increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD). Preoperative identification of patients at risk for persistent pain and PPD remai ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Neurobiology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029

TRPM8 in eye health and disease

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2029

Developing equilibrative nucleoside transporter inhibitors as non-opioid pain therapeutics

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) · 1990 Ph.D.