Jianren Mao

The Mass General Center for Translational Pain Research is devoted to translational research on pain mechanisms and pain treatment. The Center is interested in technology transfer and intellectual property development in pain management.

In the clinical area, we are interested in studying the clinical neurobiology of neuropathic and inflammatory pain and exploring novel pharmacological and interventional approaches for the management of various clinical pain conditions. We have been extensively involved in studying the cellular mechanisms and clinical features of opioid-induced pain, opioid tolerance and addiction.

• In the preclinical area, we are interested in studying:
• the neural and molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain, opioid tolerance, and opioid-induced hyperalgesia;
• the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the modulation of neuropathic pain;
• the role of central glucocorticoid receptors in the neural and molecular mechanisms of pain and opioid tolerance;
• peripheral and central mechanisms of burn-induced pain and low back pain.

Research Summary

Dr. Mao is the Vice Chair for Research and Chief of Division of Pain Medicine at the MGH Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine. He is also the Director of the MGH Center for Translational Pain Research. Dr. Mao is the Richard J. Kitz Professor of Anesthesia Research, Harvard Medical School. His research interests are related to the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer-related pain, neuropathic pain, back and neck pain as well as opioid tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Dr. Mao's research projects have been well funded by the National Institutes of Health and other sources.

Clinical Interests

Anesthesiology Pain management

Medical Education

• PhD, Medical College of Virginia
• MD, Suzhou Medical College
• Residency, Medical College Virginia Hospitals
• Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital|Fellowship, Suzhou Medical College

Board Certifications

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Medicine