Controlling the susceptibility of biological cells to pulsed electric field treatment by using ion channel modulators (EPmIC)

The project investigates how the exposure of biological cells to intense pulsed electric field, which triggers the electroporation phenomenon, affects cellular electrophysiology, survival and gene transfection and how the response of cells after electroporation can be influenced by ion channel modulators.    

In  research vitro experimental models of nonexcitable cells (cell lines derived from healthy and tumor tissue) and excitable cells (genetically engineered excitable cell line S-HEK and primary cardiomyocytes) are used. In addition, theoretical models for computer simulations are used to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms by which electroporation influences the cell response.

This basic research makes an important contribution to the development of electroporation-based therapies such as tumor treatment, ablation of the heart muscle for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and gene therapy.

The Recovery and Resilience Facility contributes EUR 107,000, the total value of the investment. The project started in March 2024 and should be finalised by February 2026.

Additional Links:

• https://lbk.fe.uni-lj.si/en/reseach-project-in-the-scope-of-the-aris-call-for-proposals-for-cofunding-of-projects-and-programmes-to-enhance-the-international-mobility-of-slovenian-researchers-and-research-organisations-and-to/ 

Top 100 recipients

University of Ljubljana (UL) projects:

• Digital University of Ljubljana: purchase of ICT equipment
• RRP Open Science - Get to know
• Digitisation of livestock databases
• Modernisation of the PŠP RRP
• Basic skills RIN
• Application of augmented reality in education
• Natural resources and food UL
• Digital and Green higher education study programmes of UL
• Innovative learning environments UL
• Sustainable Space UL
• Environmental and digital literacy UL
• Environmental Technologies UL
• Digital Future UL
• Lifelong Learning and Microcertificates UL
• Ecosystem development UL
• Sustainable UL
• Sustainable and Digital UL
• Faculty of Medicine UL Vrazov Square Campus
• New building of UL, Veterinary Faculty
• Consortium of Project Offices-KRPAN