Nobel Prize lecture: David Julius, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021

Transcript

ladies and gentlemen it's a great pleasure and a privilege to welcome all of you to the 2021 nobel lectures in physiology or medicine my name is oli pedrotterson i'm the president of kolinska institute during the nobel week we celebrate science and we rejoice at the unique contributions of some exceptional individuals whose discoveries in the world... Read More

Summary

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2021 was awarded to David Julius and Artem Patapoutian for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch. Their groundbreaking research has deepened our understanding of how the human body senses temperature and touch, and has implications for pain perception as well.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are temperature and touch sensed and converted into electrical signals in the nervous system?

The exact mechanisms by which temperature and touch are sensed and converted into electrical signals in the nervous system were unknown until the discoveries of Julius and Patapoutian. They found that there are novel classes of molecular sensors, such as the tripv1 receptor for heat and the piezo channel for touch, that are responsible for converting physical stimuli into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the brain to allow us to perceive temperature and touch.

Q: How did David Julius use capsaicin to make a major breakthrough in understanding temperature sensation?

David Julius used capsaicin, a natural compound found in chili peppers, as a tool to identify a novel receptor protein called tripv1. He found that tripv1 not only serves as a receptor for capsaicin, but also acts as a sensor for heat. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field, as it provided a key piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human body senses temperature.

Q: How does the tripv1 receptor contribute to our ability to perceive temperature?

The tripv1 receptor, along with other temperature sensing receptors belonging to the trip channel family, acts as a biological thermometer. Each receptor is activated over a specific temperature range, allowing us to control our core body temperature and distinguish between pleasant warmth or a cool breeze and painful heat. The tripv1 receptor plays a crucial role in our ability to sense and respond to changes in temperature.

Q: How did Artem Patapoutian identify the gene encoding the mechanosensitive channel responsible for touch sensation?

Artem Patapoutian used a cell line with inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and conducted a painstaking gene silencing experimental analysis. Through this approach, he was able to identify the gene encoding the mechanosensitive channel, which he named piezo after the Greek word for pressure. The piezo channels play a crucial role in touch sensation, allowing us to feel the texture of objects and monitor the position of our body in time and space.

Q: How have the discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch changed our understanding of sensory systems?

The discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch by Julius and Patapoutian have fundamentally changed our understanding of how sensory systems function. They have unlocked one of the secrets of nature and enhanced our understanding of the complex interplay between the environment and our senses. These discoveries have paved the way for further research and have the potential to impact the development of new treatments for chronic pain and sensory disorders.

Q: How have natural products and folk medicine influenced the study of pain sensation?

Natural products and folk medicine have played a significant role in the study of pain sensation. Researchers, including Julius and Patapoutian, have utilized natural irritants such as capsaicin and menthol to probe the mechanisms involved in pain sensation. By studying these natural products, scientists have been able to discover and understand the molecular receptors and channels involved in pain perception. This approach has provided valuable insights into the field of pain research.

Q: How have David Julius and Artem Patapoutian contributed to our understanding of pain mechanisms?

David Julius and Artem Patapoutian's discoveries of receptors and channels involved in temperature and touch sensation have greatly contributed to our understanding of pain mechanisms. Their research has shed light on the molecular basis of pain perception and how pain thresholds change after injury or in chronic pain conditions. By identifying key receptors and channels, their work has opened up new avenues for the development of targeted pain therapies.

Q: How do receptors such as tripv1 and trip m8 contribute to the perception of hot and cold temperatures?

Receptors like tripv1 and trip m8 serve as molecular thermometers, allowing sensory nerve fibers to detect changes in ambient temperature. Tripv1 is specifically activated by heat, while trip m8 is activated by cold. When exposed to their respective stimuli, these receptors open up, triggering electrical impulses that are transmitted to the central nervous system, allowing us to perceive and differentiate hot and cold temperatures.

Q: How do tripv1 and trip m8 receptors contribute to the ability to discriminate between different ambient temperatures?

Tripv1 and trip m8 receptors are crucial for an animal's ability to discriminate between different ambient temperatures. These receptors, when activated by heat or cold, respectively, send electrical signals to the central nervous system, allowing the brain to detect and interpret changes in temperature. Knockout studies in mice have shown that the absence of these receptors leads to a loss of discriminatory ability, indicating their importance in temperature perception.

Q: What are the potential therapeutic implications of targeting receptors like tripv1 for treating pain?

Targeting receptors like tripv1 holds potential therapeutic implications for pain treatment. By developing antagonist drugs for tripv1, it may be possible to reduce pain sensitivity in patients with chronic pain conditions. However, there is a challenge in finding drugs that selectively modulate these receptors without eroding the protective function of the pain pathway. Further research is needed to develop drugs that can effectively target these receptors for pain relief.

Takeaways

The discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch by David Julius and Artem Patapoutian have significantly deepened our understanding of sensory systems and pain mechanisms. Their research has paved the way for further exploration of pain perception and has the potential to lead to the development of targeted pain therapies. Furthermore, their work highlights the importance of natural products and folk medicine in the study of sensory physiology. The receptors they discovered, such as tripv1 and trip m8, play crucial roles in temperature and touch sensation, allowing us to perceive and respond to changes in our environment. Overall, their discoveries have far-reaching implications for both basic science and clinical applications in the field of pain research.