Understanding how a specific sodium channel affects cold sensation in mammals
A Novel Role for Nav1.1 in Mammalian Thermosensation
This study is looking at how a specific protein called NaV1.1 helps our bodies feel cold, especially in nerve cells that send cold signals to the brain, and it aims to understand how this process might change in people who feel pain from cold temperatures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898062 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the sodium channel NaV1.1 in how mammals sense cold temperatures. It aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in cold detection, particularly in sensory neurons known as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. By using innovative mouse models and various behavioral assays, the researchers will explore how NaV1.1 contributes to normal cold sensing and how it may be altered in conditions like cold allodynia, where patients experience pain from cold stimuli. The study employs advanced techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology to gather detailed insights into neuronal behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cold allodynia or other sensory nerve-related disorders.
Not a fit: Patients without any sensory nerve issues or those not experiencing cold sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions that involve abnormal cold sensitivity and pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory neuron mechanisms, but this specific investigation into NaV1.1's role in cold sensation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffith, Theanne Nicole — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Griffith, Theanne Nicole
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.