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Project

Photoactivation of caged compounds and live cell confocal calcium imaging at the subcellular level.

The core research theme of the Physiology group of Prof. Dr. L. Leybaert is to elucidate mechanisms and functions of ICWs as a key signaling process in the function of the brain and the cardiovascular system. Plasma mebrane connexins (Cxs) and the channels formed by these proteins importantly contribute to intercellular Ca2+ signaling. Gap junctions (channels directly connecting the cytoplasm of neighboring cells; further abbreviated as GJs) hereby mediate the transfer of IP3 between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells whereas plasma membrane hemichannels (`half of a gap junction channel'; further referred to as HCs) provide a paracrine release pathway for messenger molecules like ATP. Our work is directed at understanding the role of Cx-mediated communication in several pathophysiological processes including blood-brain barrier disruption, cardiac ischemia and arrhythmias, and bystander cell death.

 

Date:1 Sep 2014 →  31 Aug 2020
Keywords:medical basic sciences
Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other medical and health sciences, Other paramedical sciences, Other clinical sciences, Nursing, Other translational sciences, Other health sciences