Calcium Signaling in health, disease and therapy (CaSign) (CaSign)

Intracellular Ca2+ signals play a fundamental role in the regulation of different physiological processes at the cellular level in all eukaryotic cells, from yeast and plants to humans. The dysregulation of these intracellular Ca2+ signals is an important and proximal factor underlying the pathogenesis of different diseases, including neurodegeneration, heart diseases and cancer. Insights in the molecular and functional regulation of these Ca2+ signals and their dysregulation in disease can contribute to the development of future therapeutic targets and strategies for novel treatments. Moreover, it is clear that many proteins involved in these diseases (like oncogenes/tumor suppressors in cancer) also have a direct impact on Ca2+-transport systems and Ca2+-signaling mechanisms and processes. This may lead to the discovery of novel biological and physiological functions of these proteins.

This FWO-research community will unite three important research teams active in Flanders and different leading international research teams with a unique focus on the role of Ca2+ signaling in cell function, cell survival and cell death underlying health, disease and therapy. The research within this network will specifically focus on these aspects:

1. The molecular regulation of Ca2+-flux systems by oncogenes and tumor suppressors
2. The physiological role of Bcl-2-family members in excitable cell systems related to the heart, brain and pancreas
3. Ca2+ signaling and Bcl-2 function in cancer and anti-cancer strategies
4. Ca2+-signaling modulation as a strategy for improved oocyte survival

The general aims of this FWO-research community are to:

1. Unite the expertise and knowledge available in Flanders and abroad about the different aspects of Ca2+ signaling and its impact on cell function, cell survival & cell death
2. Exchange novel insights, knowledge, methodologies, techniques, approaches about Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-controlled processes
3. Promote the mobility of researchers between the different research teams and teams working on Ca2+ signaling by organizing seminars, symposia, workshops and research stays
4. Establish new research programs with the different Flemish and international partners
5. Strengthen the international profile of the Flemish research teams working on Ca2+ signaling
6. Serve as a first contact for external collaborators who need Ca2+-signaling expertise for their projects