Descripción del proyecto
Pruebas diagnósticas innovadoras para los trastornos somatosensoriales
El sistema somatosensorial es una compleja red de receptores sensoriales y rutas neuronales que detectan y procesan la información táctil procedente de la piel. Este sistema permite percibir el tacto, la temperatura, la presión y el dolor, por lo que ofrece información esencial sobre el entorno. El objetivo del proyecto SOMATOSENSE, financiado por el Consejo Europeo de Investigación, es desarrollar herramientas de pruebas innovadoras y atraumáticas para evaluar el tacto y la función neuronal en las personas. Las pruebas clínicas actuales para el diagnóstico de pacientes con trastornos somatosensoriales, como la neuropatía diabética, son dolorosas e inespecíficas. Se prevé que las herramientas de SOMATOSENSE transformen la evaluación y el diagnóstico de los trastornos somatosensoriales, que afectan a millones de personas en todo el mundo.
Objetivo
The SOMATOSENSE project aims to provide accurate, automated, and innovative tools to probe the human somatosensory afferent system and diagnose problems. Somatosensory information from the skin provides us with a continuous stream of information, to allow us to interact efficiently with the world and to ground us in our bodies. In somatosensory disorders, there can be issues with one or more types of sensory afferent that can cause debilitating effects, including pain. Currently, somatosensory clinical tests are often applied manually, can be painful, and may not be specific enough to make rapid diagnoses. This is a major and prevalent issue, where there are hundreds of millions of people across the world who suffer with somatosensory disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy, which can have complex origins. SOMATOSENSE aims to create efficient, non-painful tests of somatosensation that would be highly beneficial to the clinic and for fundamental research. This investigation is grounded in our in-depth knowledge and skills in somatosensory research and technology development. In two work packages (WPs), we will explore novel tests of somatosensory function, focusing on touch and including temperature mechanisms. In WP1, we will make four small, new devices that are easy-to-use, yet will accurately test different aspects of touch (e.g. the perception of brief touch, moving touch, airflow, and wetness). These will provide complex insights into somatosensory function and integration, which cannot easily be tested with existing technology. In WP2, we will develop a clinical microneurography system, where multiple direct axonal recordings can be gained from human peripheral nerves to provide exquisite insights into neuronal function in patients. These new devices will lead the way to individualized, efficient diagnoses of somatosensory disorders, thus addressing widespread social and economic issues.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Régimen de financiación
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsInstitución de acogida
75794 Paris
Francia