1. Regulation of transepithelial ion transport by P2Y receptor agonists

Essentially all polarised epithelial cells express P2Y receptors in their plasma membranes, which allow luminal and/or basolateral nucleotides to exert control over epithelial ion transport. The objective of the study is to investigate the mechanisms by which P2Y receptor agonists (e.g. ATP, UTP) regulate anion secretion across the epithelium lining the sweat gland, seminiferous tubules and the intestinal tract. Electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques are used to monitor spatial and temporal regulation of intracelluar calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and its relationship with anion secretion. These approaches are complemented by molecular biology techniques such as semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

This work is made possible by awards from the RGC Earmarked Grant and the UK/HK Joint Research Scheme.