Obiettivo Mature red blood cells are highly specialised for oxygen transport throughout the body but carry also sex hormones in the bloodstream. Several examples are known about modification of some functions and properties of red cells as well as regulation of their production in the presence of sex steroids. However, the exact molecular mechanisms whereby action of these compounds is mediated are remained largely unclear. In the present project the potential physiological role of sex hormones and their derivatives on survival of mature red blood cells will be screened in a systematic and comprehensive way and signalling mechanisms of these effects will be further examined. As erythrocytes are enucleated cells the classical genomic pathway of steroids action via intra-cellular receptors can be excluded.On the other hand, knowledge of rapid non-genomic responses to steroids mediated probably by specific membrane proteins are too recent and no data about possible involvement of membrane receptors in processes regulated b y sex hormones in red blood cells are available so far. Therefore, in this work the action mechanisms of sex steroids in erythrocytes will be studied in detail by analysing the effects of these hormones on different second messenger cascades. Also the pharmacology and nature of putative membrane binding sites are planned to investigate. The results expected to gain from this work make an important contribution to the issue of use of androgens in stimulation of erythropoiesis in bone marrow failure conditions.Secondly, this work will probably lead to some new knowledge about the positive and negative side effects associated with changes in the level of sex hormones in blood. Third, the results of this project can also bring about some improvements in clinical treatment schemes by recommendation of administration of steroid derivatives in certain types of red cell pathologies. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacy Parole chiave Red blood cells membrane binding sites nongenomic action sex hormones Programma(i) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Argomento(i) MOBILITY-4.1 - Marie Curie European Reintegration Grants (ERG) Invito a presentare proposte FP6-2002-MOBILITY-11 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento ERG - Marie Curie actions-European Re-integration Grants Coordinatore TARTU UELIKOOL Contributo UE Nessun dato Indirizzo Uelikooli 18 TARTU Estonia Mostra sulla mappa Costo totale Nessun dato
