Project description
How do we perceive skin moisture?
Our brain perceives the outside world by interpreting information it receives through the senses. Specific receptors at sensory organs convert external energy into neuronal signals which are then transmitted and processed in the brain cortex. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the WETNEURONS project aims to investigate how we perceive wetness even though we lack hygroreceptors for sensing skin moisture. The working hypothesis is that wetness sensation arises from integrating thermotactile signals in the cortex. Researchers will map the cortical neurons that become activated during wetness using calcium imaging and optogenetics in a mouse model. Results will provide important insight into cortical mechanisms of wetness perception and could be used in the clothing, cosmetics and virtual reality industries.
Objective
Perception depends on the representation of external information in the cortex. This information enters the nervous system thanks to receptor proteins in your sensory neurons. These receptors transform external energy into neural activity. It follows that, if you do not have receptors sensitive to an environmental property, you cannot perceive such property. For example, humans are not able to sense electric fields, whereas some fish can because they have electroreceptors.
A sense required for survival is wetness due to its role in thermoregulatory responses. Unlike insects, humans lack hygroreceptors sensitive to the level of moisture of the skin, yet we have clear sensations of wetness. So, how do we feel wetness? Researchers think that these sensations emerge from the integration of thermotactile signals in the cortex, but the location or cellular encoding of wetness in the cortex is unknown. Therefore, I propose to study the neural basis of wetness sensations in mice. The mouse is an ideal mammalian model for this because their thermotactile system is similar to ours and tools to measure neuronal activity can be combined with behaviour. Crucially, researchers have recently found a co-localised representation of thermotactile stimuli in the mouse cortex.
First, I will develop wet stimulators for use in mice based on designs from human studies. Second, I will measure wetness sensations in mice by developing a novel perceptual task. Third, I will use calcium imaging techniques to identify and study cortical neurons activated during wetness sensations. Finally, I will use optogenetics to provide a causal relationship between neural activity and wetness sensations. This project will advance our understanding of how wetness sensations emerge through cortical activity, even in the absence of a wetness receptor. The research output will advance our understanding of brain function, but also will be of interest to the clothing, cosmetic and virtual reality industries.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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13125 Berlin
Germany
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