# Structure, function, and pharmacology of sensory receptors

> **NIH NIH R35** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $885,128

## Abstract

Sensory receptor ion channels in somatosensory neurons are responsible for the sensory detection of
stimuli such as temperature changes and irritants. This information is then transmitted to the spinal cord and
brain, eliciting somatosensory perception, including nociception. Integration of sensory information occurs at
higher levels (e.g., spinal cord and/or brain), as well as at the sensory receptor level where certain polymodal
sensory receptors can sense diverse sensory signals and integrate them into common signaling pathways. Our
current research seeks a molecular-level understanding of the design principles governing somatosensation and
nociception by membrane sensory receptor channels, as well as their broader contextualization. We also aim to
study disease mutations and develop small molecules targeting these sensory receptors/channels through a
combination of structural, functional, pharmacological, computational biology, chemical biology, and cellular
studies. These studies strive to answer important questions in neurobiology: What is the molecular basis of
somatosensation by sensory receptor channels and can we develop a general model of their activity? How do
mutations in these sensory receptors give rise to neuronal disorders? And, can we develop non-opioid drugs
that target these receptors to treat conditions ranging from chronic itch to migraine?

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10665226
- **Project number:** 1R35NS132231-01
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Seok-Yong Lee
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $885,128
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2032-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10665226

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10665226, Structure, function, and pharmacology of sensory receptors (1R35NS132231-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10665226. Licensed CC0.

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