How oxidative stress changes heart calcium-release channels
Cardiac ryanodine receptor and oxidative stress
This research looks at whether chemical damage from oxidative stress makes calcium channels in heart cells leak and cause dangerous heart rhythms in people with heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2), the channel that releases calcium inside heart cells, to learn how reactive oxygen species change its behavior. They will identify specific channel parts (intraluminal cysteines) and SR oxidoreductase enzymes that act as a redox sensor affecting calcium sensitivity. The team will use biochemical tests, molecular tools (including CRISPR in models), and rodent models of heart disease, and will test drugs that inhibit the oxidoreductase enzyme to see if RyR2 activity can be stabilized. The goal is to link these molecular changes to the abnormal calcium release that can trigger arrhythmias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure or recurrent ventricular arrhythmias linked to abnormal calcium handling would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose rhythm problems are caused by unrelated issues (such as structural valve disease, ischemic scarring, or inherited electrical disorders not involving RyR2) may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that stabilize calcium channels and reduce dangerous arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and biochemical studies have shown that oxidative changes to RyR2 affect calcium leak and that inhibiting certain oxidoreductases can stabilize the channel, but clinical benefit in humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamilton, Shanna — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Hamilton, Shanna
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.