Project Details
Cavβ2- and Cavβ3-specific signal transduction (A03)
Subject Area
Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
Term
from 2011 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 157660137
Cavβ subunits chaperon the α1 pore of high voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (Cavs) and modulate current properties. We showed that Cavβ2 is essential for the integrity of the photoreceptor synapse and that the Cavβ3 determines skin wound healing, bone mineralization and insulin sensitivity. We hypothesize that these are Cav-independent functions of Cavβs. We will pursue studies to elucidate the underlying Cavβ-dependent mechanisms which may be related to primary cells like fibroblasts, dendritic cells, vascular endothelial cells, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and lymphocytes, which are devoid of functional voltage-gated Ca2+ entry but do express, as we have already shown, Cavβ-encoding genes.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Universität des Saarlandes
Project Heads
Privatdozent Dr. Anouar Belkacemi, since 1/2019; Professor Dr. Veit Flockerzi; Privatdozent Dr. Stephan E. Philipp, until 12/2018