Understanding a New Way to Control Heart Rhythm Problems
Novel Roles of Protein phosphatase 2A in Cardiac Arrhythmia
This work explores how a specific protein in the heart helps regulate electrical signals, aiming to find new ways to prevent dangerous heart rhythm issues.
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-11128719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sudden cardiac death and irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, are serious health concerns worldwide. This project focuses on tiny electrical channels in the heart called voltage-gated sodium channels, which are crucial for how heart muscle cells work. While we know a lot about how these channels cause problems, less is understood about how to turn down their harmful activity. We are looking at a protein called PP2A and its B56α part, which appears to play a key role in controlling these electrical signals and could offer a new target for treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients interested in the underlying causes of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly those related to sodium channel dysfunction and sudden cardiac death.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation may not find direct benefit from this early-stage basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or therapies that specifically target the identified protein pathway to prevent or treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has identified this pathway, suggesting a promising new direction for understanding and potentially treating arrhythmias.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El Refaey, Mona — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: El Refaey, Mona
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.