This web page is focused on MAESTRO project supported by National Science Center (2019/34/A/NZ1/00352)
Mitochondria provide cells with energy to carry out fundamental organism functions. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in such important phenomena as apoptosis, necrosis or aging. The proper functioning of mitochondria depends on the maintenance of transmembrane potential. One of the groups of proteins involved in ion transport are. potassium channels of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been shown that the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels in various cell types can lead to cell protection against damage, a phenomenon known as cytoprotection. The research project aims to identify new infrared light-induced cytoprotective mechanisms. Our initial studies suggests that mitochondrial potassium channels change their activity when exposed to infrared light.

Latest news

New preprint: Red/near-infrared light activates the mitochondrial large-conductancecalcium-activated potassium channel in glioblastoma cells

In this study, we show that red and near-infrared light (620–820 nm) directly modulates theactivity of the mitochondrial BKCa potassium channel in glioblastoma cells. Using patch-clamp recordings, we demonstrate that light-dependent effects are linked to the redox stateof the respiratory chain, most likely mediated by cytochrome c oxidase (COX).Our results reveal a new mechanism connecting: …

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30th School of Pure and Applied Biophysics

In early February 2026, the 30th edition of the School of Pure and Applied Biophysics, organized by the Italian Society for Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) and the Venetian Institute for Sciences, Arts and Humanities (IVSLA) took place at the historic Palazzo Franchetti in Venice, overlooking the Canal Grande. With the central theme “Ion channels: …

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Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Warsaw

The Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Warsaw is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its establishment this year. The ceremony, held on 21 November 2025, brought together numerous representatives of the academic community and scientific institutions, highlighting the Faculty’s significant scientific, educational, and organizational achievements, as well as its contributions to the development of …

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