Abstract
The aim of this project is to develop a model of trigeminovascular system using microfluidic devices. Migraine headaches remain a clinical challenge and unravelling the molecular players will improve future therapeutics. Godasby lab has recently shown that anti-CGRP antibody treatment reduces the number of headache days in migraineurs. However, the mechanism of CGRP action is poorly defined. Raouf lab has developed microfluidic-based models of pain circuitry using microfluidic devices. Taking advantage of the expertise in both labs, the student will develop a microfluidic culture model that recapitulates trigeminovascular system and use the model to study CGRP modulation of the system.
References
Tsantoulas, C., Farmer, C., Machado, P., Baba, K., McMahon, S.B., and Raouf, R. (2013). Probing Functional Properties of Nociceptive Axons Using a Microfluidic Culture System. PLoS One 8(11), e80722.
Ho, T.W., Edvinsson, L., and Goadsby, P.J. (2010). CGRP and its receptors provide new insights into migraine pathophysiology. Nat Rev Neurol 6(10), 573-582.
Antreou, Anna; Holland, Philip R.; Lasalandra, Michele P.; Goadsby, Peter J. (2015) Modulation of nociceptive dural input to the trigeminocervical complex through Gluk1 kainate receptors. Pain, Vol. 156, No. 3, 03.2015, p. 439-450.