Somatostatin and its receptors in brain function and dysfunction, somatostatin receptors

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0427

Key words (English)

Native and recombinant somatostatin receptors; autoradiography; mouse brain; in situ hybridisation; RT-PCR; knock-out; mRNA expression; tumors;
Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Scientific Research

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLG3-1999-00908

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.3 The 'cell factory'

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: German Institute of Human Nutrition (D)

Abstract (English)

While the role of classical neurotransmitters in neuronal communication is comparably well characterised, the actions of neuropeptides remained largely unknown. The objective of this proposal is to provide a complete understanding of the control of neuronal communication by the neuropeptide somatostatin through an elucidation of its antisecretory and antiproliferative actions. The functions of the individual somatostatin receptors will be unraveled in a multidisciplinary approach relying on the development and application of novel experimental tools and strategies. It will become clear how somatostatin signalling affects normal and abnormal brain function. Concepts will emerge regarding novel diagnostics and therapeutic strategies that can be used to treat patients from European populations that suffer from various brain disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, mental and affective disorders and aggressive brain tumours.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0427