Eric Senning

Eric Senning is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin, where he leads the Senning Lab focused on TRPV1 ion channel mechanisms in nociceptors. His research integrates biophysics, fluorescence imaging, and electrophysiology to investigate pain sensation pathways.

Dr. Senning's educational background includes:

• B.A. in Biochemistry from Colorado College
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon (research on mitochondrial transport using Fourier Imaging Correlation Spectroscopy)
• Postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington under Dr. Sharona Gordon studying TRPV1 with single-molecule fluorescence and electrophysiology

The Senning Lab investigates TRPV1 regulation through three interconnected frameworks: (1) polymodal activation by capsaicin, heat, acid, and oxidation; (2) inflammatory modulation via calcium and PIP2 signaling; and (3) spatial recruitment mechanisms in pseudo-unipolar nociceptors. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques including tmFRET, single-molecule imaging, and electrophysiology to dissect channel dynamics at molecular resolution.

Dr. Senning's publication record (2010-2019) reveals a cohesive trajectory in TRPV1 biophysics, emphasizing phosphoinositide regulation, membrane asymmetry effects, and structural organization. His work consistently bridges molecular mechanisms with physiological pain responses through advanced optical methodologies.

Scientific Awards:

• No individual awards documented in source materials

Dr. Senning actively mentors undergraduate researchers like Grace (Dean's Honored Graduate for TRPV1 variant research), graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. His lab recruits across academic levels for projects spanning ion channel biophysics and pain mechanisms, supported by institutional resources within UT Austin's neuroscience infrastructure.

The Senning Lab operates as an interdisciplinary biophysics team utilizing specialized fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiology platforms. Current work focuses on TRPV1 spatial organization in sensory neurons, with implications for developing targeted analgesics through precise channel modulation.