The role of ion channels in endometriosis and ovarian cancer
What part does ion channels play in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the related disease ovarian cancer? This project is generating new fundamental knowledge, which can provide the basis for future diagnostics and therapy.
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, estrogen-dependent disease that affects up to one in ten women of reproductive age, representing 190 million women worldwide. Not everyone affected will suffer from the disease, but those who do are in need of early professional assessment and appropriate treatment. Endometriosis has also been shown to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, today it can take several years for a patient to be diagnosed; early detection can reduce that time. There is no cure yet, but the symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.
In this project we examine the role of ion channels in endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Ion channels are made up of protein complexes that can open or close to allow ions to pass through cell membranes. They are necessary for various biological functions such as nerve signaling, muscle movement and heartbeat.
In recent decades, many different types of ion channels have been discovered and characterized. For example, the discovery of mechanosensitive ion channels was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Medicine. However, the role of ion channels in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and related ovarian cancer types is still poorly understood. A joint study of endometriosis and ovarian cancer from the perspective of ion channels can provide increased knowledge of both diseases and lay the foundation for future new diagnostics and therapies that enable early detection and also potentially the possibility of stopping disease progression.
The project is multidisciplinary and will be carried out in collaboration between the research subjects Biomedical Engineering and Electronics Systems at Luleå University of Technology, and tumor surgeons at Umeå University Hospital.
systems at Luleå University of Technology, and tumor surgeons at Norrland University Hospital in Umeå.
Project: WeCARE – Precision Health for Women: Novel Protein Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Intervention in Endometriosis and Related Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Participating researchers at Luleå University of Technology:
- Fredrik Nikolajeff, Professor of Medical Technology who researches early detection of various diseases.
- Oliya Abdullaeva, postdoctoral researcher in medical technology who researches biological mechanisms linked to women's diseases.
- Torbjörn Löfqvist, Assistant Professor in Electronic Systems, who is developing new modalities for electrical and acoustic sensing at the cellular level.
External project participants:
- Ulrika Ottander External link, opens in new window., senior physician and senior lecturer in clinical science, Umeå University.
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