Principal Investigator Elina Ikonen

Principal investigator:

Academy Professor Elina Ikonen, M.D., Ph.D.

Primary affiliation:

Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki

Title of FIMM-specific research project:

High-throughput screening of sterol distribution in cell membranes

Abstract:

The research of the group focuses on the mechanisms of cellular cholesterol transport and the role of cholesterol-dependent membrane domains in regulating cellular functions. Disturbances in the content or distribution of cholesterol in cells contribute to major health burdens, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, metabolic syndrome and cancer. We utilize cell lines, primary human cells and animal models to gain insight into cholesterol-related pathologies. The rapid development of imaging techniques has motivated us to establish novel compounds and approaches for lipid imaging in cells and tissues.

The FIMM-related work tackles two specific questions:

Functional role of the cholesterol-binding protein MLN64/STARD3 in the progression of breast cancer
Identification of molecular modulators of cholesterol transport using high-throughput screening in cell arrays

These questions will be investigated in collaboration with FIMM investigators and FIMM associated groups, and many of the approaches taken rely on the use of FIMM research infrastructures. The studies will shed new light on the connections between cancer and lipid homeostasis, and establish novel systems for automated lipid imaging in cells.

Contact information:

Elina Ikonen

Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy

P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)

00014 University of Helsinki

Finland

Tel: +358-9-191 25277

email: elina.ikonen(at)helsinki.fi

Home page: http://www.biomed.helsinki.fi/research/cholesterol/