Investigating how specific proteins affect heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation
Official title: Role of Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase Signaling in Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11021035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in heart cells might contribute to atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, by affecting calcium signals in the heart, and it aims to find out if these proteins are important for the condition to happen.
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 start | February 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $481,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160992-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or those with other types of arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) in atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. By examining heart cells from patients with AF and using animal models, the study aims to uncover how increased levels of certain NDPK proteins may lead to abnormal calcium signaling in heart cells, which can trigger and sustain AF. The research will explore whether these proteins are necessary for AF to occur and how they interact with other cellular components involved in heart rhythm regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or even prevent atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, but this specific approach focusing on NDPK signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wehrens, Xander H.t. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wehrens, Xander H.t.
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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.