Recording and regulating cell signaling by organic electronics (Bio-X)
- Reference number
- A3 05:174
- Start and end dates
- 050101-080930
- Amount granted
- 5 500 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Karolinska Institutet
- Research area
- Life Science Technology
Summary
BX-111 Richter Dahlfors - Berggren Recording and regulating cell signaling by organic electronics Project Summary: Objectives, expected results, summary of the Project plan Ion fluxes are essential in all biological systems, and the cation calcium (Ca2+) is particularly important as a regulator of numerous processes in eukaryotic cells. To achieve this versatility and yet maintain a high degree of specificity, the Ca2+ signalling system operates over a wide dynamic range, using the spatial and temporal properties (i.e. frequency and amplitude) of oscillations of the intracellular [Ca2+]. Objectives: The goal of this proposal is to develop a system where miniaturized organic electronic devices will be used to regulate the Ca2+ homeostasis in cells. The effect on gene expression at particular frequencies will be studied by transcriptomic analysis, and obtained results will then form the basis for development of organic electronic devices that can record the concomitant cellular production of specific proteins. Thus, a “smart pixel circuit” will be constructed that can regulate cell signalling events while recording the cellular output of the signal, and eventually produce an auto-regulated circuit. Expected results: Organic electronic devices that regulate and record ionic and electronic signals, which are important for communication in and between cells in multi-cellular environments, will be developed. This novel technology will provide groundbreaking insights into those mechanisms that regulate cellular Ca2+ fluxes, as well as the physiological response of cells at specific Ca2+frequencies. Many prominent diseases are caused by alterations inCa2+-dependent homeostatic mechanisms, and detailed understanding is therefore required when developing Ca2+ signalling pathways as targets in drug design and therapies. Initial results from this unique collaboration show great promise for the project. Keywords for the project (to be found in international databases) Ca2+ signaling, eukaryotic cells, signal-transduction, organic electronics, ion exchange, biosensors