Deciphering the Role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Axis in Pain Perception in Pancreatitis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ihsan Ekin Demir
• Subject Area: General and Visceral Surgery
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571767739

Pain in pancreatitis, both in acute (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), presents a significant clinical challenge. Our previous work has demonstrated that the fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in pain modulation, particularly through the activation of sensory neurons and microglia. In this project, we aim to thoroughly investigate the specific role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in pain perception in pancreatitis, utilizing both cerulein-induced pancreatitis models and genetically modified mouse models. We will systematically analyze the molecular changes mediated by this axis in pancreatic-innervating sensory neurons and explore the interactions between neuronal activation and inflammatory processes. These findings could identify new therapeutic targets for pain relief in pancreatitis and contribute to the development of more effective treatment strategies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants