Objective
Internal temperature homeostasis is of critical importance to our health as deviation from a normal, tightly controlled level (37 °Celsius) can cause fatal organ failures. Temperature-sensitive cells in the hypothalamus detect deep brain temperature, which is directly relevant to core body temperature (CBT) regulation. However molecules and mechanisms underlying central temperature detection by hypothalamic neurons are unknown. I propose to use a multi-disciplinary approach to elucidate mechanisms of temperature detection by these cells. I have started to employ a genetic tagging approach that allows me to label temperature-activated hypothalamic neurons in vivo.
Hypothalamic neurons not only detect local brain temperature but also receive peripheral temperature signals from the somatosensory system. However, the impact of peripheral temperature information on central temperature regulation is largely unknown. Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels have been found to constitute important components in a variety of different sensory systems. In vertebrates, TRP family members TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPA1, play prominent roles in the detection of thermal stimuli ranging from cold to hot ambient temperatures. How these receptors mediate their temperature sensitivity on the molecular level is largely unknown. I hypothesize that TRPs are components of supramolecular membrane-bound protein complexes that enable the receptors to function in a context-dependent manner, similar to the founding member of the TRP receptor family in the Drosophila eye. I will use a genetic biochemical strategy to identify components of somatosensory TRP channel protein complexes from native sensory ganglia of transgenic mice. Subsequently, characterization of the TRP Proteome will not only provide novel insights into TRP channel function as temperature sensors but may additionally yield novel targets for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2011-StG_20101109
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
69120 HEIDELBERG
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.