The Novak´s lab research focusses on the role of ion channels and transporters in pancreas physiology and in pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreas fibrosis. We are particularly interested in calcium-activated Cl- and K+ channels (ANO1, KCa3.1), proton pumps (H+/K+-ATPases), and calcium transporters (NCX). Furthermore, we are determining the role of purinergic signaling (ATP release mechanism, purinergic and adenosine receptors) in normal pancreatic function, and in PDAC development. We use a spectrum of cell models, including PDAC cells and pancreatic stellate cells, ex vivo and in vivo tissue preparations, and techniques, including advanced live-cell/tissue bioimaging techniques, such as FLIM-FRET, NLO, and electrophysiology.
Figure: Panc-1 cells showing P2X7 receptor (red), actin (green) and nuclei (blue).IonTraC project: Role of P2X receptor-ion channels in PDAC progressionHomepageRelevant publications:Sauter DSR, Novak I, Pedersen SF, Larsen EH and Hoffmann EK (2014). ANO1 (TMEM16A) in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pflügers Archiv in press DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1598-8Haanes KA, Kowal JM, , Arpino G, Lange S, l J, Moriyama Y, Pedersen PA and Novak I (2014) Role of vesicular nucleotide transporter VNUT (SLC17A9) in release of ATP from AR42J cells and mouse pancreatic acinar Purinergic Signal. 2014 Sep;10(3):431-40. doi: 10.1007/s11302-014-9406-7.Pedersen SF, Hoffmann EK and Novak I (2013) Cell volume regulation in epithelial physiology and cancer. Front Physiol 4:233. doi: 10.3389/fphys. 2013.00233 Wang J, Haanes KA and Novak I (2013) Purinergic regulation of CFTR and Ca2+-activated Cl- and K+ channels in human pancreatic duct epithelium. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2013 Apr;304(7):C673-84. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00196.2012. Epub 2013 Jan 30.Haanes KA, Schwab A and Novak I (2012) The P2X7 receptor supports both life and death in the fibrogenic pancreatic stellate cell. PLoS One. 7(12):e51164. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051164. Epub 2012 Dec 17Hayashi M, Wang J, Hede SE and Novak I (2012) An intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel is important for secretion in pancreatic duct cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2012 Jul;303(2):C151-9. Epub 2012 May 2
