ERBB4 and how it affects the heart's upper chambers and atrial fibrillation
The Role of ERBB4 in Atrial Electrophysiology and Atrial Fibrillation
Researchers are looking at how the gene ERBB4 affects the heart's upper chambers to help people with or at risk for atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the ERBB4 gene affects the electrical behavior of the left atrium, the heart chamber where atrial fibrillation starts. Researchers compare ERBB4 levels in human left atrial tissue from people with AF and use specially bred mice that have less ErbB4 either from birth or reduced in adulthood to mimic inherited and acquired causes. They record heart electrical activity and examine structural changes in the atrium to see how changes in ERBB4 lead to the abnormal rhythms that cause AF. By combining human tissue studies with mouse experiments they aim to link what happens at the gene level to the disease you experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atrial fibrillation or older adults with risk factors like hypertension, heart failure, or left atrial remodeling are the most relevant candidates for this research.
Not a fit: People with arrhythmias that do not originate in the left atrium, those under age 21, or conditions unrelated to ERBB4 are unlikely to see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat atrial fibrillation by targeting ERBB4-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and animal studies have previously linked ERBB4 to AF and shown lower ERBB4 in affected hearts, but translating these findings into human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, David S — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Park, David S
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.