How the gasdermin‑D and IL‑1 inflammation pathway may cause atrial fibrillation
The Role of Gasdermin-D/Interleukin-1 Nexus in Atrial Arrhythmogenesis
This project looks at whether a pore-forming protein (gasdermin‑D) and the inflammatory signal IL‑1 create a self‑reinforcing inflammation loop in heart cells that promotes atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242023 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are a patient, researchers may ask for atrial tissue or blood samples (for example during heart surgery) while they study human cells alongside mouse models. They will use genetically modified mice that boost or block IL‑1 signaling and overexpress the active part of gasdermin‑D in atrial cells to see how these changes affect atrial rhythm and inflammation. The team will compare mice with and without IL‑1 receptor signaling and test whether gasdermin‑D activity drives a feedforward inflammasome loop. Results from human atrial samples will be used to confirm whether the findings apply to people with atrial fibrillation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with atrial fibrillation or patients undergoing cardiac procedures who can donate atrial tissue or blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without atrial fibrillation or whose AF has non‑inflammatory causes may be less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets (gasdermin‑D or IL‑1 signaling) to prevent or reduce atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier animal and molecular studies link the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL‑1 to atrial fibrillation, but targeting gasdermin‑D directly is a newer approach with limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Na — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Na
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.