Inhibition of pan-Aurora kinase attenuates evoked and ongoing pain in nerve injured rats via regulating KIF17-NR2B mediated signaling

•Kinesins (KIF’s) are ATP driven nanomotors involved in the trafficking of nociceptors.•Tozasertib attenuates evoked and spontaneous ongoing-pain in nerve-injured rats.•Aurora kinase inhibition interferes with KIF17-NR2B mediated inflammatory signaling.•Tozasertib treatment does not produce CNS side effects unlike morphine.•Inhibition of KIF17-NMDA crosstalk may be a potential target for neuropathic pain.