Comparative studies of pacemaker channels

起搏器通道的比较研究

• 批准号: 203288-2009
• 负责人: Accili, Eric
• 金额: $ 2.33万
• 依托单位: University of British Columbia
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2012-01-01 至 2013-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=498078
• 关键词: Comparative; studies; pacemaker; channels

My research program is focused on proteins known as "pacemaker" ion channels found on the surface on cells. These proteins allow potassium and sodium ions to flow in and out of cells which helps to produce electrical activity that is responsible for repetitive beating in the heart and repetitive firing nerve cells of the brain. I am interested in how these proteins work to let ions pass, in which tissues they are found and how their function and location in different organisms has evolved. These questions are important for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of ion passage into cells and the way in which spontaneous electrical impulses are generated. My studies are also important to identify key points in the evolution when important changes in pacemaker channel structure occurred, because these seem to correspond with the large changes in body plan that lead to the arrival of vertebrates. Finally, the research is critical for training and motivating young scientists, who in turn provide many of the new ideas and much enthusiasm, which can be then carried on to their future endeavors.

我的研究项目集中在细胞表面被称为“起搏器”离子通道的蛋白质上。这些蛋白质允许钾离子和钠离子进出细胞，这有助于产生负责心脏重复跳动和大脑神经细胞重复放电的电活动。我感兴趣的是这些蛋白质是如何让离子通过的，它们在哪些组织中被发现，以及它们在不同生物体中的功能和位置是如何进化的。这些问题对于理解离子进入细胞的基本机制和自发电脉冲产生的方式非常重要。我的研究对于确定进化中的关键点也很重要，当起搏器通道结构发生重要变化时，因为这些似乎与导致脊椎动物到来的身体计划的巨大变化相对应。最后，这项研究对于培养和激励年轻科学家至关重要，他们反过来又提供了许多新想法和热情，这些新想法和热情可以用于他们未来的努力。