Molecular markers of mechanoreceptive sensory neurons

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gary Richard Lewin, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2004 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5420743

Recently we obtained the first evidence that the expression of a single gene in a subset of sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia can uniquely identify a physiologically distinct mechanoreceptor. Thus the voltage gated T-type calcium channel Cav3.2 was expressed exclusively by D-hair mechanoreceptors a particularly sensitive type of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor. The purpose of this proposal is threefold. First we wish to use gene knockout techniques to analyse the physiological function of Cav3.2 in D-hair receptors. Second we wish to establish D-hair receptor marker mouse where expression of green fluorescent protein is only seen in D-hair receptor neurons within the DRG. Thirdly we wish to screen further for new genes that may be expressed only in this mechanoreceptor type. This project will eventually provide a detailed molecular description of one well-defined mammalian mechanoreceptor and will deliver insights into how gene expression defines neuronal function. This new information may well prove useful to identify unique signaling components within sensory mechanoreceptors that may be used as novel drug targets to treat sensory disorders.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants