SKNA as a biomarker to guide heart and brain health
Official title: SKNA as a biomarker for cardiovascular events
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11350891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A biomarker from skin nerve signals (SKNA) could help predict brain recovery after cardiac arrest and identify those at risk for atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $488,568 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158952-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and are undergoing targeted temperature management, and patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing cooling after cardiac arrest or not undergoing ablation for AF may not directly benefit from SKNA-based risk information.
What this research studies
This project tests whether skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can serve as a practical biomarker during therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest to gauge neurological recovery. It also aims to use SKNA to predict which patients are more likely to have atrial fibrillation recur after catheter ablation. Researchers have developed SKNA measurement methods in canine models and have begun translating them to humans, showing correlations with heart and nervous system events. The study will apply SKNA recordings in humans undergoing targeted temperature management and post-ablation follow-up to see if it can improve risk stratification and care decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SKNA could help clinicians predict neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest and tailor AF treatment strategies to reduce recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in canine models and early human studies suggests SKNA correlates with autonomic and cardiac events, supporting further translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Everett, Thomas H — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Everett, Thomas H
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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.