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HEDoctoral network2023–2027

INNOVATION · Ion channels in erythrocytes: A novel understanding from regulation of erythropoiesis and physiological function to diagnostic measures and therapeutic concepts

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-09-01 → 2027-08-31
EU contribution
€2,690,093
Participants
12
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Ion channels in erythrocytes: A novel understanding from regulation of erythropoiesis and physiological function to diagnostic measures and therapeutic concepts

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) make up 84% of all human cells and are exposed to a range of physical and chemical stimuli during circulation, such as pressure changes, shear stress, and hormonal fluctuations. These stimuli are processed by ion channels, which are crucial for erythrocyte function. Despite their importance, the mechanisms by which these ion channels regulate erythrocytes, including, for example, their role in generating ‘pseudo action potentials,’ remain poorly understood. The INNOVATION project aims to fill this knowledge gap by using cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, electrophysiology, and in vitro erythropoiesis to study the function of ion channels in erythrocytes. The project will focus on overcoming challenges like the heterogeneity of erythrocytes (which have a limited lifespan and no protein renewal) and the difficulty of accessing large patient cohorts. The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of biophysicists, cell biologists, bioengineers, and diagnostic experts, as well as academic research centers, diagnostic labs, and SMEs. Together, they will explore new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for red blood cell-related diseases. Additionally, 10 doctoral candidates will be trained in transferable skills, contributing to the next generation of researchers in this field. By addressing these challenges, INNOVATION aims to advance the understanding of erythrocyte ion channels and their potential in developing novel treatments for blood-related disorders.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Erythrocytes represent an estimated 84% of all cells in the human body. During circulation, they experience a huge variety of physical and chemical stimulations, such as pressure, shear stress, hormones or osmolarity changes. These signals are translated into cellular responses through ion channels that modulate erythrocyte function. Ion channels in erythrocytes have only recently been recognised as the utmost important players in physiology and pathophysiology. Despite this awareness, their signalling, interactions and concerted regulation, such as the generation and effects of 'pseudo action potentials', remain elusive. INNOVATION proposes a systematic, conjoined approach using molecular biology, in vitro erythropoiesis, state-of-the-art electrophysiological techniques, methods to detect erythrocyte functionality and patient samples (channelopathies and other red blood cell-related diseases) to decipher and make use of ion channel functions in terms of disease treatment concepts. We need to overcome the challenges that hinder the gain of knowledge within the field, using genetic manipulation of progenitors, cell differentiation into erythrocytes, statistically efficient electrophysiological recordings of ion channel activity that are limited by the heterogeneity of the cell population (120 days of lifespan without any protein renewal) or access to large cohorts of patients.Our multidisciplinary team includes biophysicists and cell biologists to investigate erythrocyte characteristics and bioengineers to develop diagnostic devices. INNOVATION involves academic research centres as well as diagnostic labs providing patient samples, blood bank research centres developing cultured transfusion products and SMEs that provide and develop diagnostic tools or innovative therapeutic red blood cell products. The consortium offers on-site training, secondments and a variety of courses in transferrable and complementary skills to 10 doctoral candidates.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITAT DES SAARLANDES · SaarbruckenCoordinatorGermany
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • CYSMIC GMBH · SaarbruckenGermany
  • EURICE EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND PROJECT OFFICE GMBH · ST INGBERTGermany
  • FONDAZIONE IRCCS CA' GRANDA - OSPEDALE MAGGIORE POLICLINICO · MilanoItaly
  • NANION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH · MUNCHENGermany
  • R&R MECHATRONICS INTERNATIONAL BV · ZwaagNetherlands
  • SORBONNE UNIVERSITE · ParisFrance
  • STICHTING AMSTERDAM UMC · AmsterdamNetherlands
  • Stichting Sanquin Bloedvoorziening · AmsterdamNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM UTRECHT · UtrechtNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITE LYON 1 CLAUDE BERNARD · Villeurbanne CedexFrance

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union