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Research fields
Team 03:
Cellular and molecular neurobiology
of the somato-sensory system
Head: Jean Valmier, PU
The role of the somato-sensory neurons
of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is to detect external
and internal environmental signals such as noxious stimuli,
temperature, mechanical pressure, proprioceptive stimuli
and to convey these signals to the central nervous system
where they are integrated at different levels and allow
the organism to respond appropriately to environmental
changes. Although a variety of sensory receptor neurons
are implicated in the detection of these different sensory
modalities, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain
poorly understood. There are also some evidences showing
that the different populations of DRG neurons behave
differently in pathological conditions.
The pathology of this system, called peripheral neuropathies,
affect at least 3 million people in France and the prevalence increases
with age (3.5% under 50 years, 8% above 50 years).
Existing treatments are often ineffective. Sensory neuropathies
represent an increasing economic and social cost as the
demographic structure of the population shifts to older
ages. Although their causes are numerous (trauma, metabolic,
infection, toxic, genetic, autoimmune) the post-traumatic
neuropathies, including post-surgical trauma, are by far
the most frequent. Regardless of the etiology, the consequences
of sensory neuropathies are essentially of two types: neuropathic
pain (hyperalgia and allodynia) and dysfunction
of the sensori-motor system (ataxias). Post-traumatic
pain, for example, accounts for 45-50% of the consultations
in the centers for evaluation and treatment of pain conditions |
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The aim of our research projects is to identify
the molecules and mechanisms that specify and control the
normal functioning of somato-sensory neurons during adulthood
and aging, and to characterize those involved in the post-traumatic
changes of this system leading to peripheral ataxia and
neuropathic pain.
To characterize such molecules and mechanisms implicated in
the specification of the system and the post-traumatic changes,
the team is organized in two groups with two complementary
and transversal approaches :
These strategies could potentially lead to the identification
of new pharmacological targets and to new therapeutic strategies
for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies, for clinicians
actually lack efficient treatment.
From left to right :
Sophie Grimal, Aurélie Ménigoz, Lucie Elzière, Frédérique
Scamps, Frédéric Marmigère, Olivier
Lucas, Chamroeun Sar, Cécile Hilaire, Stéphanie
Venteo, Patrick Carroll,
Thomas Hubert, Jean Valmier,
Régine Pirone, Alain Garcès, Sylvie Mallié,
Victor Sieso, Agnès Fichard-Carroll, David Ohayon, Ilana
Méchaly, Steeve Bourane, Mathieu Boudes et Simon Pieraut.
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