Grant: Engage Grants Program

In cells having an important structural role of some organs, a protein participating in the regulation of calcium,*TRPV6, has been shown to be involved in the establishment of a microenvironment that favors tumour*development. However, little is known about the functional role and mechanism of this recently found protein.*This project will adress the role of this calcium-dependent channel protein, how it helps the cells to regulate*calcium concentration, and how it affects the immune system. Specifically, we will investigate the pathways*involved in the communication of TRPV6-expressing cells with immune cells. For this purpose, we will select*cells from multiple types of tissues, verify their TRPV6 expression, and the immune sytem signalling*molecules (cytokines/chemokines expression). The cells with the highest TRPV6 expression will then be*treated with inhibitors that have been designed by the participating company (Soricimed), and changes in the*immune communication between cells will be evaluated. Moreover, the physiology and metabolism of these*cells will also be determined to control for any other side effects. This initial project will allow Soricimed to*shed light on the fundamental mechanisms determining TRPV6 expression and function. Moreover, it will be a*stepping stone for the screening of therapeutic tools that will have a greater chance of success in the clinic and*to invest in performing follow-up proof of concept studies.