New roles for a heart protein in preventing dangerous rhythms
Official title: Novel Roles of Protein phosphatase 2A in Cardiac Arrhythmia
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11375997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart study will explore how a specific protein regulator (PP2A) affects ion channels that control heartbeat, with the goal of reducing dangerous arrhythmias.
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 start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $626,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175380-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at risk for arrhythmias, especially those linked to INa,L abnormalities or adrenergic stress, could benefit from future therapies
✕Less likely to help
Patients without arrhythmia risk related to INa,L regulation may see little direct benefit
What this research studies
This project looks at how the protein PP2A, through its B56α subunit, influences the Nav1.5 sodium channel in heart cells, especially during stress. By understanding how negative regulation of the late INa,L current works, researchers aim to identify ways to prevent fatal fast heart rhythms. The study combines cellular and animal models to map where these proteins come together in heart tissue and how adrenergic challenges change their interactions. The findings could inform strategies to target this pathway and reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research may lead to new approaches to lower the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that modulating the B56α-PP2A pathway can affect Nav1.5 activity and INa,L, supporting potential of this approach
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El Refaey, Mona — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: El Refaey, Mona
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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.