Heart sodium channel problems linked to sudden death in Dravet syndrome
Defining Novel Mechanisms of Sudden Death in Dravet Syndrome: Dysregulation of Sodium Channels in the Heart
Researchers are looking at whether the same sodium channel problems that cause Dravet syndrome also disrupt heart cell signaling and trigger dangerous heart rhythms.
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-11232287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone with Dravet syndrome, I want to know whether my risk of sudden death comes from heart changes as well as the brain. This project uses models of Dravet syndrome to examine how loss of the NaV1.1 sodium channel affects heart tissue structure and function. Scientists will measure sodium and calcium handling in heart cells, map tiny signaling domains, and test whether those changes cause arrhythmias. The goal is to link the genetic defect to specific heart problems that might explain cases of SUDEP.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Dravet syndrome—especially those with SCN1A-related sodium channel mutations or a history of seizures and unusual heart rhythms—are the most relevant population.
Not a fit: Patients without Dravet syndrome or with seizure disorders unrelated to sodium channel defects may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify heart-based warning signs and targets for treatments that prevent life-threatening arrhythmias in people with Dravet syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research hints that neuronal sodium channel defects can affect the heart, but directly linking NaV1.1 dysfunction to cardiac arrhythmias in Dravet is a relatively new and still largely untested area.
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.