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How do sensory neurons drive migraine pain?

Objectif

Peripheral sensory neurons drive pain by detecting tissue damage throughout the body, with one notable exception: the brain. Instead, headache pain is thought to originate in the meninges – the protective membranes surrounding the brain, which are densely innervated by sensory neurons from the trigeminal ganglion. However, we still do not fully understand how these neurons are activated during migraine to produce headache pain. Most migraine research has focused on nociceptors that release the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Yet the fact not all patients respond to therapies targeting CGRP suggests that additional cellular pathways contribute to migraine. In recent years, molecular profiling has revealed remarkable diversity among sensory neurons, including those that innervate the meninges. Unexpectedly, the meninges also contains neurons, known as NP2 and NP3 cells, that in the skin encode itch. Why these “itch” neurons target an internal tissue, what stimuli they detect, and whether they contribute to migraine pain remains entirely unknown.

In this programme, I will combine molecular genetics, functional imaging, and optogenetic behavioral assays in both male and female mice to define the sensory function of these specialized meningeal neurons. I propose that NP2 and NP3 neurons act as sensors of mast cells, a type of meningeal immune cell previously implicated in migraine. Thus, I will test the hypothesis that mast cells signal to NP2 and NP3 neurons to drive headache pain in migraine. This work challenges the prevailing nociceptor-centric view of migraine pain by postulating a new immunosensory circuit that links mast cell degranulation to the activation of specific meningeal sensory neurons. Ultimately, by revealing how the unique sensory innervation and neuroimmune landscape of the meninges gives rise to headache pain, this work will transform our understanding of migraine mechanisms and uncover new therapeutic targets.

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Régime de financement

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Appel à propositions

(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) ERC-2026-STG

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Institution d’accueil

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 919 058,00
Adresse
GOWER STREET
WC1E 6BT London
Royaume-Uni
Région
London Inner London — West Camden and City of London
Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liens
Coût total
€ 1 919 058,00

Bénéficiaires (1)