Objective
The skin is not only a barrier between our body and the environment, but also functions as a huge sensory ‘surface’, involved in sensing various stimuli, as well as in the etiology of itch and pain. As such, the skin can be envisaged as our largest (multi)sensory organ. Ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family are considered as cellular sensors, due to their sensitivity to various physical and diverse chemical stimuli, including endogenous mediators as well as various exogenous compounds. Multimodal nociceptive TRP channels are also appealing drug targets in pain-associated syndroms.
TRPM3, a member of the melastatin subfamily of TRP channels, was recently reported as a novel neurosteroid- and thermosensitive channel in the pain pathway. In this project we aim to discover how the channel properties of TRPM3 are regulated at molecular and cellular levels, and how these regulatory mechanisms influence the channel’s versatile functions in normal sensory transduction and in processes such as itch and hyperalgesia. A wide array of techniques will be combined to investigate the influence of intracellular signaling pathways and the effect of various mediators (neurotransmitters, mediators of pain, itch and inflammation) on TRPM3 channel function and expression in recombinant systems and primary sensory neurons. The relevance of this novel neurosteroid sensor and its regulatory pathways on skin sensory functions will be analyzed in several functional assays at the organ and behavioral levels using transgenic animal models.
This project is expected to reveal important new insight into the cutaneous sensory processes involving TRPM3, which may form the basis of novel therapeutic approaches to treat itch or pain. The execution of the project will widely extend the fellow`s knowledge, technical and complementary skills aiding to reach a position of professional maturity and significantly contributing to his career development in the European Research Area.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF
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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.
Coordinator
3000 Leuven
Belgium
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.