Dear All,

I would like to cordially invite you to the habilitation lecture which will take place on the 25th of June at 3pm in the Wojtczak lecture hall on the first floor. We will host dr Bogusz Kulawiak (Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences). His habilitation is processed by the Scientific Council of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences. He will give a lecture entitled: “Mitochondrial potassium channels: regulation and function”

Abstract:

Mitochondria are an important signaling hub crucial for cell life. One of their basic functions is the synthesis of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. This is possible due to the activity of the respiratory chain and tight control of ion movement through the inner mitochondrial membrane. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial potassium channels located in the inner mitochondrial membrane are a significant regulatory element of mitochondrial function. They allow the influx of potassium ions into the mitochondrial matrix, which significantly modulates mitochondrial function. Activation of mitochondrial potassium channels protects heart and brain cells from damage, such as that caused by ischemia-reperfusion. In cancer cells, these channels may be overexpressed, and their inhibition can induce apoptosis. Therefore, mitochondrial potassium channels are an attractive therapeutic target. However, many questions remain open, especially concerning the molecular identity and regulation of these channels. In my talk, I will discuss the results of our recent studies on these topics, with special focus on the mitochondrial large conductance calcium-activated potassium (mitoBKCa) channel and the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channel. Additionally, I will discuss the directions and perspectives of research in the area of mitochondrial potassium channels.