Heart-rhythm core supporting atrial fibrillation work
Electrophysiology Scientific Core 2
This program builds lab tools and uses ECGs and tissue studies to find safer, more effective ways to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation for people affected by the condition.
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-11166594 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this core helps collect regular ECG recordings to track how atrial fibrillation starts and changes over time. In the lab, researchers use optical mapping on mouse atria and engineered heart tissue to watch electrical activity and link it to cell-level problems. They also isolate heart cells to study ion channels and calcium handling that drive abnormal rhythms. These pieces are combined with genetic findings to point toward targets for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with atrial fibrillation—especially older adults or those with obesity-related or recurrent AF—who can provide ECG data or join related clinical components.
Not a fit: People without atrial fibrillation or those unwilling/unable to share ECGs, records, or travel for linked studies are unlikely to see direct benefit from this core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to safer, targeted medicines or prevention strategies that reduce AF episodes and lower stroke risk.
How similar studies have performed: ECG tracking and cellular electrophysiology methods are well-established and have improved understanding of AF, but turning those findings into new drugs has been difficult and remains an active challenge.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laurita, Kenneth — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Laurita, Kenneth
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.