Mechanisms Of Mechanotransduction In Primary Visceral Afferents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$253,500.00
Summary
Mechanotransduction is the process whereby mechanical stimuli are converted into signals in sensory nerves. This forms the basis of touch, hearing, position sense and many aspects of internal perception. It also constitutes a major component of pain. Our group aims to discover the molecular basis of mechanotransduction in mammals, and in particular how it relates to signaling of events in the digestive system. We and our collaborators have been among the first to explore this question, and have ....Mechanotransduction is the process whereby mechanical stimuli are converted into signals in sensory nerves. This forms the basis of touch, hearing, position sense and many aspects of internal perception. It also constitutes a major component of pain. Our group aims to discover the molecular basis of mechanotransduction in mammals, and in particular how it relates to signaling of events in the digestive system. We and our collaborators have been among the first to explore this question, and have found that three genes are responsible for many aspects of mechanotransduction. Each gene is transcribed to produce a channel or pore in the membrane of sensory nerve fibres which responds to mechanical forces by allowing ions to enter and induce electrical signals. Our early findings in mice with disruption of individual genes indicate that a complex positive and negative interaction of these channels must underlie normal mechanotransduction. However, these channels must represent only a part of the transduction mechanism, with extracellular and intracellular anchors inevitably playing a major role. The identity of such anchoring proteins in mammals is currently emerging, and we are fortunate to have access to mice deficient in specific genes that will provide information about candidates for this role. Through our studies on mechanotransduction in the digestive system in parallel with our collaborators' studies on mechanotransduction in skin we shall not only identify the fundamental mechanisms of mammalian mechanotransduction, but also reveal which components of mechanotransducers are peculiar to the gut. Such peculiarities provide molecular targets for therapy of diseases in which alteration of mechanosensory signaling is itself an aim.Read moreRead less
Interaction Of TRP Channels And Inflammatory Mediators: A Critical Role In Visceral Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$308,747.00
Summary
Transient receptor potential, or TRP channels, are involved in generating many of the sensations we feel, such as touch and pain. The function of these channels can be altered by substances released by the body during inflammation. Some TRP channels have specialized roles in signalling pain from the colon which can be enhanced during colonic inflammation. Understanding how TRP channels and inflammatory mediators function and interact is essential if we are to find treatments for colonic pain.
Transient Receptor Potential Channels (TRPs) As Transducers And Targets In Primary Visceral Afferents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,130.00
Summary
Transient receptor potential, or TRP channels, are involved in generating many of the sensations we perceive, such as heat, cold, touch and pain. Some TRP channels are specialized to signal pain from visceral organs, which we must investigate if we are to find treatments for visceral pain, which are currently lacking.