Skip to main content
Ir a la página de inicio de la Comisión Europea (se abrirá en una nueva ventana)
español español
CORDIS - Resultados de investigaciones de la UE
CORDIS
Contenido archivado el 2024-04-30

BK potassium channels in the brain: their properties, distribution and function

Objetivo

To investigate the properties, distribution and function of BK channels (also called maxi-K or slo channels).
To determine the extent to which BK channels serve to limit hyperexcitability, calcium influx, excitotoxicity and cell death in brain disorders such as epilepsy and stroke, in order to provide a basis for assessing the therapeutic potential of pharmacological manipulations of this channel type.

Among the ion channels that regulate neuronal activity, the potassium (K)channels form the most diverse group, playing multiple roles in brain activity and disease. Thus, K channels not only set the resting potential and regulate nerve impulses; they are also essential for preventing pathological hyperactivity, such as epileptic discharges, or the excessive calcium (Ca)influx, exitotoxicity and cell death following ischemic brain injury. The pharmaceutical industry therefore shows considerable interest in K channels. ASME that is in the forefront of developing K channel modulators against brain disorders, is a key participant in this proposal. This project focuses on a particularly prominent and widespread type of Kchannels in the brain, the BK channels (also called maxi-K or sloehannels).

This channel type has a unique set of properties, and can be subject to extensive physiological and pharmacological modulation. In spite of this, little is known about its functional roles. Our goal is to determine the extent to which BK channels serve to limit hyper-excitability, Ca influx, excitotoxicity and cell death in brain disorders such as epilepsy and stroke, in order to provide a basis for pharmacological exploitation of this channel type.

Recently, a series of new tools and methods has been developed: selective toxins, radioligands and modulators, and improved methods for mapping the sub-cellular distribution of ion channels. Already, BK channels have been found both pre- and post-synaptically in a variety of important brain regions, where they are located in strategic positions for dynamic feedback control of Cainflux and transmitter release. Thus, they are also potential regulators of Ca-dependent processes involved in synaptic learning mechanisms, as well as of pathological hyperactivity. We propose collaboration between four European research groups, each in the forefront of its field, to investigate the properties, distribution and functions of neuronal BK channels in the mammalian brain, combining molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, electro-physiology, and pharmacological and behavioural studies. Our working hypothesis is that the BK channels act as an "emergency brake", serving to limit neuronal hyperactivity, Ca influx and cell death in epilepsy, stroke and other brain disorders. The project complies with research areas 3.2.3 and 3.1 of the BIOMED 2 work programme.

Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS clasifica los proyectos con EuroSciVoc, una taxonomía plurilingüe de ámbitos científicos, mediante un proceso semiautomático basado en técnicas de procesamiento del lenguaje natural. Véas: El vocabulario científico europeo..

Para utilizar esta función, debe iniciar sesión o registrarse

Programa(s)

Programas de financiación plurianuales que definen las prioridades de la UE en materia de investigación e innovación.

Tema(s)

Las convocatorias de propuestas se dividen en temas. Un tema define una materia o área específica para la que los solicitantes pueden presentar propuestas. La descripción de un tema comprende su alcance específico y la repercusión prevista del proyecto financiado.

Convocatoria de propuestas

Procedimiento para invitar a los solicitantes a presentar propuestas de proyectos con el objetivo de obtener financiación de la UE.

Datos no disponibles

Régimen de financiación

Régimen de financiación (o «Tipo de acción») dentro de un programa con características comunes. Especifica: el alcance de lo que se financia; el porcentaje de reembolso; los criterios específicos de evaluación para optar a la financiación; y el uso de formas simplificadas de costes como los importes a tanto alzado.

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinador

UNIVERSITY OF OSLO
Aportación de la UE
Sin datos
Dirección
9,Sognsvannsveien 9
0317 OSLO
Noruega

Ver en el mapa

Coste total

Los costes totales en que ha incurrido esta organización para participar en el proyecto, incluidos los costes directos e indirectos. Este importe es un subconjunto del presupuesto total del proyecto.

Sin datos

Participantes (3)

Mi folleto 0 0