Heart genes linked to atrial fibrillation risk
Project 1 - Genes to Function: Causal Genes and their Roles in Cardiomyocyte and Atrial Physiology
This project looks at whether specific gene changes in heart muscle cells cause atrial fibrillation and whether existing medicines might help people with those gene variants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166603 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on two genetic regions on chromosomes 10q22 and 14q23 that are linked to atrial fibrillation and will work to identify which genes and variants are responsible. They will study how changes in MYOZ1, SYNPO2L, and SYNE2 affect heart muscle cell structure, calcium handling, and electrical activity using molecular experiments and human-relevant cell models. The team will test how different transcript forms of these genes change protein function and may alter heart cell contraction and rhythm. They will also search for approved drugs that could be repurposed to correct the gene-related defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atrial fibrillation or a family history of AF—particularly those known to carry risk variants near SYNPO2L, MYOZ1, or SYNE2—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose atrial fibrillation is caused mainly by non-genetic factors or who do not carry these specific genetic risk variants are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to repurposed drugs or gene-focused treatments that reduce atrial fibrillation risk in people with these genetic variants.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have linked many loci to AF and some functional follow-ups have yielded insights, but the specific roles of SYNPO2L, MYOZ1, and SYNE2 in AF remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Jonathan D — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Smith, Jonathan D
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.