Projekt

The objective of this reintegration project is to establish an electrophysiological laboratory in the Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences in Yerevan, Armenia. The PI Dr. V. Vardanyan received his Ph.D. and worked as a postdoctoral scientist in the Center of Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH) in Hamburg obtaining an excellent training in cellular physiology. His main topic was the study of the gating mechanisms of various types of ion channels. Accordingly, the study of the modulation of KCNQ1 channels by calcium ions is in the focus of his research. KCNQ1 channels belong to the large family of potassium channels. In the heart, KCNQ1 channels (plus KCNE1) mediate a potassium current which helps to repolarize the heart action potential. Mutations of this channel can lead to heart arrhythmias and eventually cardiac arrest. It is intended to study the effect of the intracellular second messenger calcium on KCNQ1 function. The main part of the experiments will be done in the newly installed Yerevan laboratory, and part of the experiments are planned to be performed in ZMNH Hamburg or Saarland University, Homburg.

• Prof. Dr. Jürgen R. Schwarz

  Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
  Zentrum für Molekulare
  Neurobiologie Hamburg (ZMNH)
  Institut für Molekulare Neurogenetik
  Hamburg
  

• Prof. Dr. Olaf Pongs

  Universität des Saarlandes
  Universitätsklinikum
  Institut für Physiologie
  Homburg (Saar)
  

• Dr. Vitya Vardanyan

  National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
  Institute of Molecular Biology
  Molecular Neuroscience Group
  Yerevan
  Armenien