Units

Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology

Cardiac fibrosis (Prof. N. Baeyens) - Cardiovascular biomechanics and vascular remodeling (Prof. N. Baeyens) - Physiopathology of the cardiovascular system and pulmonary circulation (Prof. K. Mc Entee, Dr. L. Dewachter) - Dental sciences and oral health (Prof. S. Cetik and Prof. N. Baeyens) - Bioelectricity (Prof. A. Boom and Prof. R. Beauwens) - Cardiac surgery (Prof. Vanden Eynden)

Projetcs

Chloride channels and transporters involved in insulin secretion, special focus on anoctamin(s) channel(s).

Ano1 opening in ; cells induces Cl- efflux resulting in plasma membrane depolarization and opening of L-typeCa2+channels when their threshold is reached. Bursts of action potentials then increase intracellular Ca2+ and induce insulin secretion. Present investigations focus on (i) how does glucose induce Ano1 opening with the hypothesis on a role of ryanodine channels as responsible of a localized increase in intracellular Ca2+, particularly; (ii) how does the ;-cell increases its intracellular Cl- content after Cl- discharge through Ano1 channels with special emphasis on a possible Cl- sensing role of kinases with-no- lysine (WNK). Activation of one of these kinases could lead to activation of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporters.