My interest is focused on molecular mechanisms of
neuro-sensory transduction in response to osmotic
and mechanical stimuli. Therefore, it is no
surprise that the gene family that interests me most
is TRP (transient receptor potential) ion channels. Having
discovered one such channel, TRPV4, recently as an
osmotically-activated channel, I intend to learn
in which particular cells and organs TRPV4 functions
and by which mechanisms. In order to conduct
these studies, state-of-the-art molecular genetic
tools in mice and in tissue culture cells will be
used to investigate TRPV4 by gain- and loss-of-function
approaches.
At the organism/ systemic level my interest is thus centered on nociceptive transduction
mechanisms, especially chronic, pathological pain, and also on hydromineral homeostasis
mechanisms that the brain uses to regulate systemic and CNS-local tonicity
and sodium concentration. - As a neurologist in the Center for Translational
Neuroscience, I am also involved in patient care on a limited base, I am seeing
patients suffering from neuropathic pain in the distribution of the trigeminal
nerve.
