Objective
The aim of this project is to combine biophysical, biochemical
and morphological approaches to investigate the mechanisms which couple stimuli to insulin release in both normal pancreatic islets and in islets from animals with biabetes-like syndromes. Glucose-induced insulin release is modulated by several hormones and neurotransmitters. It has been hypothesized that these agents regulate insulin secretion, at least in part, by interacting with plasma membrane K- or Ca-channels. 1) This possibility will be investigated by simultaneous measurement intracellular Ca 2+ concentration (!Ca2+!i) and either membrane potential or ion channel activity. 2) The role of second messenger systems (G-proteins, protein kinase C and adenylate cyclase) will be evaluated using biophysical and biochemical methods. The perforated patch-clamp configuration will be used to study whole-cell current modulation. The role of G-proteins in all these processes will be investigated using activators (GTP analogues, AlF-4) and inhibitors (pertussis toxin) of G-proteins, purified G-protein subunits and specific antibodies against these subunits. 3) Despite the functional heterogeneity the islet behaves as a "syncithium". Intercellular coupling through gap junctions may also bring about signal
synchronization so that less responsive cells may be induced to secrete by active neighbouring cells. In this regard: a) the relationship between the electrical properties of the B-cell and the functional heterogeneity of B-cells in terms of insulin
secretion and biosynthesis will also be determined, and b) it will be also studied the regulation of the gap junctions (which are likely to form the structural basis for the islet to perform a synchronized response to nutrients and secretagogues).
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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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.
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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.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Coordinator
03071 San Juan de Alicante
Spain
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.