Project description
Characterising NALCN channelosome physiology
Neurons are excited – and can produce an action potential – when positive sodium ions flow into the cell through channels (pores) in the cell membrane. The sodium leak channel non-selective protein (NALCN) forms the ion channel of the NALCN channelosome (signalling proteins associated with the ion channel). Mutations of the NALCN channelosome cause a broad range of neurological and developmental diseases. NALCN channelosome physiology is poorly understood and no treatment targeting the channelosome is available. To address these gaps and with the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TUNENALCN project aims to characterise the regulation of the NALCN channelosome and identify and characterise proteins that can modulate NALCN function.
Objective
The sodium leak channel (NALCN) is the ion-channel subunit of the NALCN channelosome, additionally containing UNC79, UNC80 and Fam155. NALCN controls the resting membrane potential (RMP) in excitable tissue (e.g. brain and myometrium) by an inward current of positively charged (sodium) ions that depolarizes the cell membrane, sensitizing the cell to excite (activate). NALCN is essential for survival. Mutations in the NALCN channelosome cause loss- or gain of function of NALCN currents which result in severe developmental disorders IHPRF and CLIFAHDD. Yet, NALCN channelosome physiology is largely unknown and no selective or specific drug-like compounds targeting the NALCN channelosome exist.
I propose the objectives: I) to characterize regulation of the NALCN channelosome by endogenous protein partner interactions (PPIs), and II) to identify and characterize de novo designer proteins that modulate NALCN function. I anticipate that this can inform on NALCN physiology and future therapeutic strategies to counteract NALCN loss- or gain of function and other excitability-related disorders.
I will perform the research at Copenhagen University in the lab of Professor Stephan Pless, an expert in the field. Objective I-II build onto novel in silico approaches where the Pless lab has identified PPIs based on protein co-evolution, tissue-co-expression, and disease association; and generated de novo designer proteins designed to bind the NALCN channelosome. I will elucidate the objectives experimentally by utilizing – and expanding – my experience in ion-channel research. In Objective I, I will use i) electrophysiology to study the functional impact of PPIs, ii) immunocytochemistry to interrogate sub-cellular localization and trafficking, and iii) biochemistry to determine direct interactions. In Objective II, I will perform electrophysiology on NALCN channelosome-expressing HEK cells and iPSC-derived neurons to find de novo designer proteins that inhibit or potentiate NALCN.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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