Targeting JNK2 and NLRP3 to prevent alcohol- and age-related atrial fibrillation
The JNK2-NLRP3 nexus in atrial fibrillation and its anti-AF therapeutic potentials
Testing whether blocking JNK2 or NLRP3 signaling can prevent or reduce atrial fibrillation in people, especially those with alcohol-related or age-related risk.
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 ID | NIH-11332640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how heavy drinking and aging can trigger inflammation that leads to irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) and whether two molecular targets, JNK2 and NLRP3, drive that process. Researchers use donated human atrial tissue and laboratory models to see how inflammatory signals cause abnormal calcium activity in heart cells. They will test drugs or inhibitors that block JNK2 or NLRP3 to see if those treatments stop the heart-cell triggers that cause AF. The goal is to find a targeted approach that could lead to new treatments for people whose AF is linked to alcohol or inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atrial fibrillation, particularly older adults and those with a history of binge alcohol use or alcohol-related AF, would be the most relevant candidates for this line of research.
Not a fit: People whose AF is caused by non-inflammatory mechanisms or structural heart disease unlikely to be driven by JNK2/NLRP3 signaling may not benefit from these targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targeted therapies that reduce or prevent atrial fibrillation caused or worsened by alcohol and aging.
How similar studies have performed: Broad anti-inflammatory treatments have had limited success in AF, but preliminary lab and tissue data suggest that specifically blocking JNK2 or NLRP3 shows promising preclinical effects on the cellular triggers of AF.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Xun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ai, Xun
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.