Neuropeptides and vasoactive protein detection from human skin.
EMSL Project ID
25689
Abstract
I am submitting this proposal through the EMSL Science Theme Call: Biological Interactions and Dynamics. The overarching goal of this proposal is to develop novel approaches to recover and identify neuropeptides and other vasoactive proteins of interest from human skin. Skin is an ideal target organ for investigation into systems biology due to its relatively easy access in conscious humans using minimally-invasive approaches, the relatively high concentration of neurotransmitters and vasoactive peptides, and the ability to associate proteomic data into a predictive physiological model. I have been investigating the mechanisms that underlie cutaneous vasodilation during hyperthermia, termed "cutaneous active vasodilation", for over nine years. Evidence suggests the response is mediated by unknown neurotransmitter(s) released from sympathetic cholinergic nerves. This mechanism is unique to human skin. Despite knowing the existence of this system for 80 years, many questions remain, including the identity of the putative neuropeptide(s) and the potential involvement of other vasodilator proteins. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is extremely important in terms of basic science in humans and, in the big picture, for understanding how aging and many diseases cause disruptions in thermoregulation. The general approach would be to link the microdialysis technique for recovering substances from humans to recent advances in proteomics technology utilizing capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and computer data-base searches to identify known and perhaps novel vasoactive proteins. Samples will be collected during physiologic perturbations in my laboratory and sent to EMSL. The proposed work is consistent with both the overall EMSL mission and goal of the call for proposals in Biological Interactions and Dynamics, in that the technical innovations will provide insight into how specific neuropeptides and vasoactive proteins give rise to a biological outcome in systems biology. The hope is that initial successes could lead to further collaborations between my research group and EMSL with funding provided by NIH. For the proposed work I am requesting standard access and the work is non-proprietary.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2007-07-10
End Date
2009-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator