Project

Understanding connexin hemichannel regulation by intramolecular interactions - a single-channel unitary-current event approach.

Code
01J09611
Duration
01 July 2011 → 30 April 2016
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Plant biology
    • Systems biology
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Physiology
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Physiology
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Physiology
Keywords
electrophysiology gap junctions organ ischemia
 
Project description

This study aims to better understand the regulation of connexin hemichannels, which are half non-connected gap junction channels in the plasma membrane. Hemichannel opening can lead to cell injury/death. We use patch-clamp techniques for a detailed analysis of the effect of intramolecular interactions on channel behaviour. The results are essential in the development of selective hemichannel inhibitors for therapeutic application in cardiac ischemia.