11.1. 2016, Funkční morfologie

PhD Project: 

Modulation of nociceptive signaling at spinal cord level

 

We are highly interested in different aspects of spinal TRPV1 receptors modulation of nociceptive synaptic transmission at the spinal cord level. This project will be focused on their interaction with other types of receptors especially under pathological conditions. Electrophysiological and imaging recordings, molecular biology, immunohistochemical and behavioral methods will be used to study different models of pathological pain.

Research Summary: 

The main research interest of our department is to study mechanisms of pain and to explore new possibilities of pain treatment, especially in chronic states. Our experimental work is concentrated on the modulation of nociceptive information at the spinal cord level that is the relay center between the periphery and higher brain areas. Our goal is to study these modulatory mechanisms in order to improve therapy for pain conditions, such as allodynia, hyperalgesia, neuropathic and cancer related pain. Our focus is to study modulation of synaptic transmission at the spinal cord level. Lately we are interested in the role of TRPV1 receptors, cannabinoids, opioids and inflammatory cytokines in this process. In our research we use mainly electrophysiological, imaging, immunohistochemical and behavioral methods.

Candidate Requirements: 

Candidates should have a Masters' degree in biological, medical or chemical sciencess, or be due to complete their studies in this academic year.  Experience in cell biology, molecular biology or electrophysiology techniques would be an advantage. 

Supervisor:  Jiri Palecek, M.D., Ph.D.

 

Relevant Publications:

Špicarová, Diana - Adámek, Pavel - Kalynovska, Nataliia - Mrózková, Petra - Paleček, Jiří . TRPV1 receptor inhibition decreases CCL2-induced hyperalgesia. Neuropharmacology 2014, vol. 81, p. 75-84, IF = 5.1

Li, Y. - Adámek, Pavel - Zhang, H. - Tatsui, C. E. - Rhines, L. D. - Mrózková, Petra - Li, Q. - Kosturakis, A. K. - Cassidy, R. M. - Harrison, D. S. - Cata, J. P. - Sapire, K. - Zhang, H. - Kennamer-Chapman, R. M. - Jawad, A. B. - Ghetti, A. - Yan, J. - Paleček, Jiří - Dougherty, P. M. The Cancer Chemotherapeutic Paclitaxel Increases Human and Rodent Sensory Neuron Responses to TRPV1 by Activation of TLR4 . Journal of Neuroscience. 2015, Vol. 35, 39, p. 13487-13500 . IF = 6.3

Mrózková, Petra - Špicarová, Diana - Paleček, Jiří . Hypersensitivity Induced by Activation of Spinal Cord PAR2 Receptors Is Partially Mediated by TRPV1 Receptors . PLoS ONE. 2016, vol. 11; e0163991. IF = 3.1