Objective
Epidermis displays two unique and characteristic electrolytic gradients: First, calcium (Ca2+), which regulates cell-physiologic processes including cell adhesion, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, has a steep gradient towards the stratum granulosum (SG) which controls lamellar body (LB) secretion, and thereby permeability barrier function. Second, an acidic pH of the stratum corneum (SC), the functional endpoint in epidermal differentiation, is also required for normal permeability barrier function and regulates desquamation.
The activity of acidic, lysosomal type, lipid processing enzymes, required to fully establish the barrier to the external environment, and the proteases involved in desquamation depend on this pH-gradient. To form and/or maintain such differential ionic concentrations, epithelial tissues generally express tight junctions. To better understand the role of ion-fluxes, changes in ionic gradients, and the functional significance of such localization patterns within the epidermis and S C, we pioneered the use of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), applied to ex-vivo biopsies of intact skin for pH and Ca2+ measurements.
Through this proposal we will:
1) generate a detailed map of Ca2+ and pH gradients and localizations in human epidermis using FLIM, as current concepts are largely based on outdated methodology and studies in rodent skin.
2) We will ascertain the relationship and (co-) regulation of these ionic gradients, and
3) whether tight junctions play a role in establishing and/or maintaining the differential concentrations and localization of these ions.
4) We will assess alterations in ionic distribution that both accompany and could contribute to disease expression, and how these changes are disease related; e.g. changes of epidermal Ca2+ are known for chronic diseases as psoriasis and Hailey-Hailey, and divergent changes in SC pH occur in ichthyoses, inflammatory dermatoses, aged and neonatal skin.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy fluorescence lifetime imaging
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-12
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
IRG - Marie Curie actions-International re-integration grants
Coordinator
HAMBURG
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.