NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

An international conference on gap junctions and their role in heart function

Official title: International Gap Junction Conference 2024

Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11004511 · Data updated 2026-11-12

The International Gap Junction Conference 2024 is a friendly gathering for scientists and doctors to share the latest discoveries about special proteins that help our heart cells communicate, which is important for keeping our hearts healthy and understanding heart rhythm problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project startJuly 19, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$14,000
NIH project number1R13HL176214-01
Project IDNIH-11004511 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with cardiac arrhythmias or those at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those not affected by arrhythmias may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

The International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC) 2024 will bring together scientists and clinicians from around the world to discuss the latest research on gap junction proteins, particularly connexins and pannexins, which are crucial for heart function. The conference will focus on how these proteins contribute to intercellular communication and their implications in cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiovascular conditions. Attendees will explore various aspects of connexin regulation, including how alterations can lead to serious heart issues. This event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and advancements in understanding the biological mechanisms that underpin heart health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, potentially reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.

How similar studies have gone: Previous conferences on similar topics have successfully advanced the understanding of cardiac biology and led to significant breakthroughs in treatment approaches.

Where this research is happening

  • Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
    Blacksburg, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Smyth, James William — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
  • Study coordinator: Smyth, James William

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.