This initiative will explore the mechanisms underlying information processing in the nervous system, employing innovative research strategies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. The project represents a milestone for our research community and promises to advance our understanding of complex neural functions.

What mechanisms underlie neuronal communication?

The Research Training Group, designed under the leadership of Prof. Kittel, will offer unique research opportunities focused on understanding how information is processed in the nervous system through communication between neurons and their partner cells. While the pathways involved are diverse, they share a key feature: adaptability. This adaptability allows for the regulation of signal transmission in response to changing physiological demands. The Research Training Group, Molecular Tuning of Neuronal Communication – NeuroTune, will investigate general structural and functional principles, as well as molecular adaptations that are specific to particular cell types or signaling pathways. The goal is to uncover the intricate mechanisms that underlie neural communication, providing new insights into how the nervous system adjusts and responds to various internal and external stimuli.

Prof. Kittel’s role as spokesperson of the NeuroTune Research Training Group is a significant milestone for both our consortium and the broader fields of neuroscience and pain research. The expertise of the NeuroTune team will guide the next generation of PhD students, fostering an environment of collaboration and interdisciplinary training that will equip them to address some of the most pressing challenges in the field. The success of this Research Training Group will strengthen the connections within our consortium and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to improve patients' lives.

About the DFG Funding for new Research Trainings Groups

On November 18th, 2024, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced the establishment of twelve new Research Training Groups to support early-career scientists. These schools, including NeuroTune, will receive funding for five years starting in October 2025, with a total allocation of approximately 82 million euros. Research Training Groups provide doctoral students the opportunity to complete their PhD within a structured research and qualification program at highest professional level. Currently, the DFG is funding a total of 216 Research Training Groups.

Further information can be found here:

• German Research Foundation (DFG)
• Leipzig University

Congratulations to Dr. rer. nat. Julia Grüner from the working group of Prof. Dr. Nurcan Üçeyler, Senior Consultant in Neurology at the University Hospital of Würzburg. She received the award for pain research at the German Pain Congress in Mannheim on October 17, 2024. Her work “Small fiber neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease mod-el and pilot data” was awarded second place in the “Clinical Research” category. The sponsor of the prize, Grünenthal GmbH, has awarded two second places this year, meaning that Julia Grüner shares the prize money of 3,500 euros.

Her project is about the rare hereditary disease Fabry's disease, which develops gradually and significantly affects the lives of those affected. In Fabry disease, genetic defects prevent the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A from working properly. As a result, fatty compounds, so-called sphingolipids, accumulate in the cells, including in nerve cells, but also in organs such as the heart and kidneys. The first symptoms, such as burning pain in the hands and feet, often occur in childhood. Over time, the perception of temperature also deteriorates.

The award-winning work was the first time that Fabry patients' skin cells were used to generate stem cells that can be converted into nerve cells. In the Petri dish, the team was able to observe how the fat deposits affect the nerve cells. These changes could disrupt the energy balance of the cells and thus cause the pain typical of Fabry. One particularly interesting discovery was that nerve cell activity is altered at elevated temperatures. This could explain why those affected often have more severe pain and a disturbed perception of temperature, particularly when they have a fever. These discoveries open up new approaches to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and to be able to treat it more specifically in future.

Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner, spokesperson for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine (ZiS) and chair pain medicine, and Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer, consultant at the Neurological Clinic and Polyclinic, spent 90 minutes answering questions on all aspects of chronic pain. In a short introductory lecture, the two experts first presented the latest findings and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine and chronic pain in general. Chronic pain is no longer an inevitable fate, but can be favourably influenced by a variety of therapeutic approaches. 

Interdisciplinary Multimodal Therapy and Pain Research 
This therapy is offered at the ZiS in general and individual therapy modules. The Clinical Research Group KFO5001 ResolvePain, which is established here at the University Hospital under the direction of the speakers and is actively conducting pain research, also contributes to the fact that pain therapy in Würzburg – especially for fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – is focus in research and treatment. In ResolvePIAN, there are already initial indications of what constitutes a favourable prognosis for CRPS.
 
After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask their personal questions – an offer that was taken up enthusiastically. With almost 100 questions in the chat, the focus was particularly on the new migraine therapies with CGRP antagonists, as well as on medical and non-medical treatment methods.

A resounding success – to be continued
The initiators and organisers of the evening consultation rated the inaugural event as an enormous success. The high number of participants and the great interest in the topic show how relevant public education about chronic pain is. Participants particularly praised the combination of in-depth information and the opportunity for direct exchange with the experts. 
The ZiS, the University Hospital and the self-help representative Gabriele Nelkenstock are therefore planning to continue the format. The aim is to offer those affected and interested parties constant access to current research results and to promote the exchange between medicine and the public.

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer 
 

He will be the third internationally renowned luminary in pain research to visit the research group under the guidance of Prof. Heike Rittner (MD) and Prof. Claudia Sommer (MD), following in the footsteps of Professors Geha and Price. As with his predecessors, we anticipate an inspiring exchange regarding bilateral research projects and lively discussions concerning the significance and practical implications of the latest research findings.

Prof. Dib-Hajj's specialty lies in sodium channels and their role in the development of chronic pain. Mutations in certain proteins of these voltage-gated ion channels affect the excitability of nociceptors. The excitation threshold of such sensory nerve cells, which receive and transmit electrical pain impulses, is lowered, thereby promoting chronic pain. In his research, the neurobiologist also uses live imaging techniques to visually document the activity of channels in sensory axons.

International recognition

Dr. Dib-Hajj is a Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine and Deputy Director of the Veteran Administration Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut. He completed his undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and earned his doctoral degree at Ohio State University, Columbus. Through numerous publications and the establishment of an extensive research network at academia and industry, he has earned significant international recognition. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the National Disease Research Interchange, a non-profit organization supporting the use of human tissue for research purposes.

During his visit from May 16th to 17th, 2024, Prof. Dib-Hajj will deliver a lecture on his research field titled: "Building excitable membranes in sensory neurons".

More information about Prof. Dib-Hajj's lecture, like time and place, can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.

Further information about Prof. Dib-Hajj and his research. 

Chronic pain is a global problem affecting approximately twenty percent of the world's population. Therefore, intensive research is being conducted on all continents to gain new insights into the origin, molecular changes, biomarkers, and more sophisticated techniques, in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Prof. Dr. Ted Price has specialized particularly in brain plasticity in chronic pain, examining how the brain perceives and processes pain stimuli and the central mechanisms that lead to chronic pain. He has discovered several innovative approaches and is widely recognized as a leading figure in the field of pain research.
Like the CRU 5001, Prof. Dr. Price approaches this task with an interdisciplinary and multifocal focus, working with a larger team of scientists at the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS). The institute is part of the University of Texas in Dallas and cooperates with UT Southwestern.

Guest Lecture and Personal Encounters

The heads of CRU 5001, Prof. Heike Rittner, MD, and Prof. Claudia Sommer, MD, along with all project leaders of the research group, are looking forward to the personal exchange and meeting with the outstanding pain researcher. During his stay, he will visit the individual laboratories and facilities to learn about the specific research activities and results. Dialogues typically result in inspiring inputs for both sides, which directly influence further research.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Price will deliver a lecture on the "Mechanisms of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: Lessons from the human DRG".

Further information about Prof. Dr. Price, his research and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS) 
More information about Prof Price's lecture can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.
 

As part of the annual meeting of the NervClub (a study group for peripheral nerves), a symposium on the main topic of neuropathic pain will be held in Würzburg this year. Professor Dr. med. Mirko Pham, event organizer and Director of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at the University Hospital of Würzburg, cordially invites all those interested in the field and who are dedicated to basic and/or clinical research to attend the conference at February 23, 2024.
During the symposium, distinguished experts from across Germany will meet at the Rudolf Virchow Center on University Hospital campus. Focusing on the complex theme of "Understanding and Treating Neuropathic Pain," the latest insights and discoveries will be discussed, offering an interdisciplinary view on the topic. Fundamental topics will also be covered, from understanding the genesis of peripheral nerve pain and disease models, to advancements in radiological detection methods, successful therapeutic approaches, and options for personalized treatment.

Introductory Lectures by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

The introductory lectures will be delivered by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner. Both lead the Clinical Research Group 5001, ResolvePAIN, and are internationally recognized for their expertise in pain management, extending beyond the borders of Germany. Since November 2023, Prof. Rittner held the distinction of being the sole chair in Pain Medicine in Germany. The speakers will focus their presentations on the clinical concept of neuropathic pain.

Participation is free of charge and possible at short notice. Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site registration on Friday, February 23rd, in the RVZ foyer is also possible.

If you have any further questions or information about travel or accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Doris Solymosi at the following email address:
solymosi_d@ ukw.de.

Additional details about the program and the event

About the NervClub

The NervClub is comprised of clinicians and scientists dedicated to the initiation, development and pursuit of projects in the peripheral nerve field. As such we are a group of handsurgeons, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, neurophysiologists and neuroanatomists dedicated to interdisciplinary exchange, both on a personal and scientific basis in an attempt to enlarge our nerve orientated network.

Link
 

The Clinical Research Unit 5001 is delighted to announce yet another distinction achieved by our talented team. At the recently concluded "Jahrestagung der Deutschen, Österreichischen und Schweizerischen Gesellschaften für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie (DGHO) 2023", held from October 13th to 16th, 2023, in Hamburg, Prof. Kortüms team received the prestigious poster award for their outstanding research. 

The poster presented at DGHO 2023, authored by the physician scientist Xiang Zhou, MD, and the doctoral student Seungbin Han, under the supervision of Univ.-Prof. Kortüm, MD, whose title was "Bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy and single nucleotide polymorphisms in PKNOX1" captivated the attention of both peers and experts in the field, earning them the Best Poster Award at the congress.

The study aimed to investigate the intriguing relationship between Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) during multiple myeloma treatment and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PKNOX1 gene. BIPN is a potentially debilitating side effect of chemotherapy and is, therefore, a significant concern in cancer treatment. Bortezomib, however, is a well-established chemotherapy drug and remains the drug of first choice for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Prof. Kortüm and his team investigated genetic factors that may predispose patients with multiple myeloma, treated with Bortezomib, to this side effect. The research findings, also highlighted in our Paper of the Month session, indicate that individuals carrying a homozygous genotypic mutation in PKNOX1 (rs2839629) and/or within the intergenic region between PKNOX1 and CBS (rs915854), have a notably increased risk of developing BIPN. This results indicate that conducting a genetic screening for these specific SNPs before initiating BTZ therapy could offer an improved means of assessing a patient's likelihood of experiencing a painful polyneuropathy, potentially serving as a valuable biomarker for tailoring personalized treatment strategies in the future.

As proof of their exceptional work, Dr. Xiang Zhou and Seungbin Han were honored with an award in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of hematology and medical oncology, as well as pain research. This award reaffirms the commitment of our Clinical Research Unit to excellence in clinical research and to producing high-quality research with real-world implications.