NDPK enzymes' influence on atrial fibrillation
Role of Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase Signaling in Atrial Fibrillation
This work looks at whether higher levels of specific NDPK enzymes in heart cells cause abnormal calcium signals that lead to 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-11292868 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study heart tissue and cells from people with atrial fibrillation alongside dog and mouse models to understand how NDPK-B and NDPK-C affect heart cell signaling. They will measure cAMP levels, monitor calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and test whether changing NDPK levels causes irregular heart activity. The team will also examine how the protein Ankrd1 interacts with NDPKs and the RyR2 calcium channel. Findings come from lab experiments on patient cells and from animal models to trace mechanisms that might be targeted in future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation who can provide atrial tissue samples during cardiac surgery or a related clinical procedure.
Not a fit: People without atrial fibrillation or those not undergoing procedures that allow tissue donation are unlikely to directly participate or receive immediate benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent or reduce atrial fibrillation by correcting abnormal calcium signaling in atrial cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown NDPKs can raise cAMP and affect calcium handling, but applying this mechanism specifically to AF and the RyR2-NDPK-Ankrd1 complex is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- 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.
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.