Involvement of TRPM2, HCN2 ion channels and AT2 receptors in inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Diseases with an inflammatory component, including arthritis and sepsis, are a complex and heterogeneous group of disorders that affect the world population. The current options for the treatment of these diseases are still limited and in some cases, ineffective due to limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying these disorders. Thus, the overall aim of this proposal is to extend our understanding about the role of some ion channels (TRPM2 and HCN) and receptors (angiotensin receptors- AT1, AT2) in arthritis and sepsis. Firstly, animal models of arthritis or sepsis will be used to characterize the involvement of HCN2/Angio II1 AT2R pathway or TRPM2 ion channel in these pathologies respectively. After that, the project will focus in translational research, performing experiments with blood from patients with sepsis as well as blood and synovial fluid samples from patients rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of these pathologies through basic science and after with a translational approach, possible new therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases can be identified. (AU)