Thesis supervisor: Kata Bölcskei
Location of studies (in Hungarian): PTE ÁOK Pécs, Szigeti u. 12. Abbreviation of location of studies: ÁOK
Description of the research topic:
The project focuses on investigating the transcriptome of blood samples collected from migraine patients during headache and in headache-free periods. RNA will be isolated from samples and next-generation RNA sequencing will be performed to find differentially expressed genes between healthy controls and patients, and in patients between headache and headache-free conditions. An experimental headache model and an orofacial pain model will also be investigated in rats and samples collected from the animals will also be subjected to a similar transcriptome analysis. Investigation of patient samples can reveal the involvement of yet unknown activation mechanisms and may lead to the discovery of new drug targets. The comparison of human results with the experimental animal samples can help us to evaluate the translational value of the headache and facial pain model and help us optimize the experimental approach for future drug development projects.