Title:
The role of ca2+ sensitive K+ channels (hIK1) for migration of human neutrophil granulocytes
Project management at the University of Würzburg:
Participating scientists:
Abstract:
Neutrophil granulocytes play an important role in normal immune responses.
However, they are also involved in the development of chronic inflammatory
autoimmune diseases. Chemokines atract neutrophils to sites of inflammation.
Thus, neutrophil migration is a critical process in the development of an
inflammation. Like many other migrating cells neutrophils express Ca2+-
sensitive K+ channels (IK1). However, the functional role of these channels is
still unknown. We want to show that these channels are required for
neutrophil migration as revealed by our pilot studies. Moreover, we want to
define mechanisms by which IK1 channels affect neutrophil migration. We
want to focus on the modulation of the cell volume and of the intracellular
Ca2+ concentration by IK1 channels. This project will contribute to the
characterization of IK1 channel blockers as possible pharmacological
tools in the manipulation of inflammatory diseases.
Key words:
migration
K+ channel
neutrophil
Projekt period: from 03.2001 to 02.2003
Funding institution:
Sonstige Stiftung ( Fritz-Bender-Stiftung, München ) ,Granting date: 05.03.2001
Preceding project:
-
Publications: