GIRK potassium channels and heart rhythm in aging and platelet function
Official title: Structural Determinants of PIP2 Regulation
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11384323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study focused on how specific heart and blood vessel channels (GIRK) influence heart rate, heart-rate variability, and clotting risk as people age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 1998 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $683,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL059949-29 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with atrial fibrillation or at risk of Afib, and individuals undergoing treatment for arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
People without heart rhythm issues or those not at risk for Afib are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at GIRK channels, which help control heart rate and heart-rate variability, and explores how aging changes their activity to increase atrial fibrillation risk. Researchers aim to understand how aging-related oxidative stress activates PKC to modify GIRK4 channels and raise mortality and stroke risk. The work also considers why current antiarrhythmic drugs can affect the ventricles and seeks atria-specific inhibitors that preserve normal heart rhythm. Additionally, the study touches on how GIRK channels in platelets participate in thrombus formation during vascular injury. Overall, the project integrates molecular insights with potential implications for safer, more targeted therapies for atrial fibrillation and related cardiovascular issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer, more precise treatments for atrial fibrillation and better strategies to protect heart health in aging adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that targeted modulation of GIRK activity can influence atrial-specific effects, but selective atrial inhibitors remain a challenge.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plant, Leigh Daniel — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Plant, Leigh Daniel
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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.