Genomic mechanisms driving dorsal root ganglia formation.

• Grant number: 25/02874-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Embryology
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Chao Yun Irene Yan
• Grantee: Chao Yun Irene Yan
• Principal researcher abroad: Marcos Simoes Costa
• Institution abroad: Cornell University , United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Deborah Schechtman
• Associated research grant: 23/12306-9 - The role of transcription factors in the differentiation of sensory interneurons in the embryo and from hiPSCs., AP.R

Abstract

This proposal brings together three labs with complementary expertise to understand the processes controlling neuronal specification and differentiation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG): (i) The Simões-Costa lab (Harvard) focuses on developmental genomics and neural crest gene networks, (ii) The Yan lab (ICB/USP) specializes in manipulating embryonic DRGs, and (iii) The Schechtman lab (IQ/USP) studies nociceptor differentiation in the DRG. By combining developmental genomics, functional manipulation, and differentiation models, the project aims to build a comprehensive framework explaining how transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms drive sensory neuron differentiation. The collaboration will train students and researchers in cutting-edge techniques and foster international exchange to elaborate a joint grant proposal to international agencies and ultimately generate new insights for future research and therapies. (AU)