Forschungsbericht - Detailinformation zum Projekt
project title
Efficiency of Calcium Signaling and Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Heart
abstract
Efficiency of Calcium Signaling and Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Heart
In the present research project Ca2+ signaling is investigated in cardiac muscle cells on the cellular and subcellular level using a combination of biophysical and molecular biology methods (laser-scanning confocal microscopy, UV-laser flash photolysis of caged compounds, two-photon excitation of fluorescent indicators and caged compounds, the patch-clamp technique, expression of cloned genes and antisense inhibition of expression). In particular, properties of the recently discovered elementary events of cellular Ca2+ signaling, the Ca2+ sparks, are examined. In addition, the role of the Na-Ca exchanger and several ion channels is analyzed in the process of Ca2+ signaling and cardiac contraction. In heart muscle cells the L-type Ca channels (DHP receptors), the SR Ca2+ release channels (Ryanodine receptors) and the Na-Ca exchangers are important regulators of the Ca2+ -homeostasis and thus determine the force produced during each heart-beat in health and disease.
project team
Prof. Ernst Niggli (PL), PD Marcel Egger, Dr Konstantin Gusev, PhD student Jakob Ogrodnik, PhD student Carole Jung, PhD student Nicolas Lindegger
publication
- Szentesi, P., Pignier, C., Egger, M., Kranias E.G., Niggli, E. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ refilling controls recovery from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release refractoriness in heart muscle. Circulation Research 95 (2004) 807-813.
- Lindegger, N., Niggli E. Paradoxical SR Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes after β -adrenergic stimlation revealed by two-photon photolysis of caged Ca2+. Journal of Physiology 565 (2005) 801-813.
project duration
10.2000 - 10.2005
state:completed
university unit
Institut für Physiologie
research area
Medicine, Physiology
index terms
Physiology Biophysik
last update: 15.12.2005