Expression of STIM/ORAI/TRPC protein complexes in parathyroid glands
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the expression of STIM/ORAI/TRPC protein complexes in parathyroid glands
IRAS ID
237738
Contact name
Sam Xu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, R&D Department
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Calcium (Ca2+) is important for human health. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), secreted from chief cells in parathyroid glands, is the main regulator for calcium haemostasis and dictates the processes of bone remodelling, vascular/tissue calcification, and renal function. Accumulating evidence indicates that high PTH levels from primary/ secondary hyperparathyroidism, is associated with multiple co-morbidities and long-term survival. PTH has also been shown to regulate the metabolism of adipocytes and cancer cells; however, the mechanisms of how calcium is controlled by PTH in the parathyroid gland are still unclear.
ORAI/STIM/TRPC complexes are essential molecules for regulating cellular movement, hormone secretion and endocytosis, but their expression, distribution and function in parathyroid glands is unclear. The aims of the project are to determine the expression and distribution of STIMs/ORAIs in human parathyroid glands, to understand the regulation of Ca2+ dynamics by PTH in targeted cells and to help clarify how PTH changes target cell function, leading to calcification or related gene expression and signalling.
Expression and distribution of STIM1-2 and ORAI1-3 in the oxyphil and chief cells of human parathyroid glands will be analysed using Immunocytochemistry / immunofluorescence by staining paraffin-embedded parathyroid sections. Quantification of expression levels between non-tumour and parathyroid adenomata (benign type) will be analysed using immunostaining (n= 6-10 for each group).
Additionally we will be culturing human kidney tubular cells (HK2) and incubating them with various concentrations of PTH to see if PTH has any effect on ORAI/ STIM expression in these cells.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
18/WA/0130
Date of REC Opinion
29 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion