Calmodulin control of heart sodium channels
Regulation and dysregulation of sodium channels by by calmodulin
This research looks at how the protein calmodulin changes the behavior of heart sodium channels and how that can lead to dangerous heart rhythms in people with certain gene changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team is studying how calmodulin — a small protein that helps control cell signals — sticks to sodium channels in heart cells and how that interaction can go wrong when genes are mutated. They will use lab-grown heart cells and animal models to measure electrical currents and watch for an abnormal 'late' sodium current that can trigger arrhythmias. The researchers will compare normal and mutant versions of calmodulin and sodium channel pieces to see how binding strength affects channel shutoff and heart cell rhythm. Findings aim to connect specific molecular changes to inherited arrhythmias so those at risk might be identified or targeted in future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited arrhythmia syndromes, known sodium-channel or calmodulin gene mutations, or a family history of sudden cardiac death would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart rhythm problems are caused by structural heart disease, ischemia, or other non-channel causes may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat dangerous arrhythmias by correcting or targeting the calmodulin–sodium channel interaction.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked sodium-channel mutations and late sodium current to arrhythmia risk, but directly tying calmodulin binding strength to that late current is a newer area under active study.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radwanski, Przemyslaw — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Radwanski, Przemyslaw
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.