Targeting sodium channel regulation for heart conditions
Official title: Therapeutic Targeting of Voltage Gated Sodium Channel Autoregulation
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11054687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in certain channels in the heart can cause rhythm problems, and it's trying to find new ways to help people with these issues by better understanding how sodium and potassium work together in heart tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,502 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169610-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with congenital sodium channel gain-of-function disorders, particularly those who may not exhibit clear symptoms on standard electrocardiograms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with arrhythmias caused by factors unrelated to sodium channel dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in sodium channel function, which can lead to heart rhythm disorders, can be better understood and potentially treated. By examining the interactions of sodium and potassium ions in heart tissue, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes. The approach combines computational simulations with experimental techniques to explore how these ion channels behave in a more realistic tissue environment, rather than isolated cells. This could lead to more effective treatments for patients with congenital sodium channel gain-of-function disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart rhythm stability and reduce the risk of arrhythmias in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding ion channel behavior in tissue environments, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poelzing, Steven — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Poelzing, Steven
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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.