| 2001 - 2004 |  |
Mechanisms involved in neuronal cell damage: subcellular Ca2+ and specific gene espression.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ and expression of several genes as Bcl2 is involved in neurons cell death. However, monitoring of these parameters in individual neurons is difficult. Here we propose to measure changes in mitochondrial Ca2+ and expression of specific genes at the single cell level by bioluminescence imaging of primary neurons expressing either targeted aequorins or luciferase under control of specific gene promoters.
Supported by Junta de Castilla y León (11.213 €). 2002-2004. IP Lucía Núñez.
In search of antineoplastic mechanism of aspirin.
Aspirin inhibits tumor cell growth and prevents against an increasing number of cancers but the action mechanism is unknown. Aspirin is considered also a mitochondrial uncoupler. We have studied whether the aspirin metabolite salicilate inhibits tumor cell growth acting on mitochondrial regulation of calcium signals involved in cell proliferation.
Supported by Junta de Castilla y León (5.333 €). 2003. IP Carlos Villalobos.
Gene expression dynamics and its regulation by Ca2+ signals.
We aim at establishing a method for monitoring changes in gene expression in single, living cells by bioluminescence imaging of luciferase under control of promoters or response elements driven by Ca2+ signals. Supported by Junta de Castilla y León (3.235 €) 2002 – 2003. IP Carlos Villalobos.
Functional and phenotypic characterization of cells from human pituitary tumors.
Formerly, it was considered that the anterior pituitary was formed by 5 different cell types, each one secreting a different pituitary hormone. However, we have reported that a large population of anterior pituitary cells display a multifunctional phenotype. Here we propose to study the phenotype of multifunctional cells in a series of clinically characterized human pituitary adenomas.
Supported by Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spanish Health Department (63.567). 2001 - 2003. IP Carlos Villalobos.
This project was carried out by basic researchers at IBGM as well as clinical researchers at the Valladolid University Hospitals including Neurosurgeon Dr. José Mª de Campos and as well as Endocrinologist Dr. Daniel A. de Luis and Dr. Enrique Romero from the Valladolid University Institute of Endocrinology and Nutrition.