Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INNOVATION (Ion channels in erythrocytes: A novel understanding from regulation of erythropoiesis and physiological function to diagnostic measures and therapeutic concepts)
Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-08-31
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) make up 84% of all human cells and are exposed to a range of physical and chemical stimuli during circulation, such as pressure changes, shear stress, and hormonal fluctuations. These stimuli are processed by ion channels, which are crucial for erythrocyte function. Despite their importance, the mechanisms by which these ion channels regulate erythrocytes, including, for example, their role in generating ‘pseudo action potentials,’ remain poorly understood.
The INNOVATION project aims to fill this knowledge gap by using cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, electrophysiology, and in vitro erythropoiesis to study the function of ion channels in erythrocytes. The project will focus on overcoming challenges like the heterogeneity of erythrocytes (which have a limited lifespan and no protein renewal) and the difficulty of accessing large patient cohorts.
The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of biophysicists, cell biologists, bioengineers, and diagnostic experts, as well as academic research centers, diagnostic labs, and SMEs. Together, they will explore new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for red blood cell-related diseases. Additionally, 10 doctoral candidates will be trained in transferable skills, contributing to the next generation of researchers in this field.
By addressing these challenges, INNOVATION aims to advance the understanding of erythrocyte ion channels and their potential in developing novel treatments for blood-related disorders.
The INNOVATION project aims to fill this knowledge gap by using cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, electrophysiology, and in vitro erythropoiesis to study the function of ion channels in erythrocytes. The project will focus on overcoming challenges like the heterogeneity of erythrocytes (which have a limited lifespan and no protein renewal) and the difficulty of accessing large patient cohorts.
The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of biophysicists, cell biologists, bioengineers, and diagnostic experts, as well as academic research centers, diagnostic labs, and SMEs. Together, they will explore new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for red blood cell-related diseases. Additionally, 10 doctoral candidates will be trained in transferable skills, contributing to the next generation of researchers in this field.
By addressing these challenges, INNOVATION aims to advance the understanding of erythrocyte ion channels and their potential in developing novel treatments for blood-related disorders.
The INNOVATION project so far went half way (midterm-report). All 10 DCs have been recruited and have started their collaborative work in the five scientific work packages with considerable progress so far. All DCs presented their progress on in-person project meetings as well as in regular (bi-weekly) online ‘Red Blood Cell seminars’ internally and to a broader scientific community, respectively. The secondments began earlier this year and are ongoing at various partner institutions, providing essential intersectoral and interdisciplinary exposure as outlined in the DCs' Career Development Plans (CDPs). Their progress is being closely monitored by training supervisors and the project coordinator to ensure alignment with training goals.
Although no finalized results are currently available, the project is progressing toward results that extend beyond the current state of the art in the field. Initial findings that push the boundaries of existing research have been submitted in leading scientific journals as reported in publications section. Further data has been acquired, and manuscripts are currently under preparation for publication.