A scientific seminar entitled “A new function of the human BK channel beyond electrical signaling: a catalytic mechanism for protecting cells against oxidative stress” was held at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 13.

The seminar was opened by Academician Irada Huseynova, acting Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology, who spoke about the important role of science and education in societal development and emphasized the importance of holding such seminars in enhancing the scientific potential of young scientists and researchers, promoting research activities, and expanding their academic knowledge. She mentioned that the Institute has created the necessary conditions to facilitate the integration of scientists and researchers into the global scientific community, expand international scientific cooperation, and enable them to conduct research both within the country and abroad. She stated that the measures implemented in this area make a significant contribution to enhancing the research potential  of the scientists, strengthening international scientific relations, and integrating research findings into the global scientific community.

Irada Huseynova also provided detailed information about the scientific work of Taleh Yusifov, a talented scientist trained in the academic school of Academician Jalal Aliyev and his research conducted in the United States.

Then, a leading researcher at the Institute’s Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, Doctor of Philosophy in Biology and Associate Professor Taleh Yusifov delivered a presentation entitled “A new function of the human BK channel beyond electrical signaling: a catalytic mechanism for protecting cells against oxidative stress.”

He provided seminar participants with detailed information about ion channels, their main characteristics, and their different types in his presentation. He mentioned that ion channels generate ionic currents through the passive movement of ions along their electrochemical gradients and create the formation of bioelectrical signals.

T. Yusifov emphasized in his presentation that BK channels, or large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium channels, play an important role in a number of pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and are considered promising therapeutic targets. Studies have shown that activation of BK channels in cardiac muscle helps protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. At the same time, the activity of these channels has been linked to the proliferation and spread of breast, cervical, prostate and lung cancer cells, as well as to the effects of certain anticancer drugs. According to the scientist, the role of the BK channels in protective and pathological processes is associated with the regulation of reactive oxygen species levels, making the investigation of their mechanisms of action and the development of new therapeutic approaches scientifically significant.

The seminar then continued with discussions on the topic and Taleh Yusifov answered questions of the institute staff.