NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how a specific protein affects heart rhythm problems

Official title: Novel Roles of Protein phosphatase 2A in Cardiac Arrhythmia

Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10943347 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a protein called B56α to see how it affects heart cell activity and sodium channels that help control heart rhythm, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with irregular heartbeats and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$635,106
NIH project number1R01HL175380-01
Project IDNIH-10943347 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or those at high risk for sudden cardiac death.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable heart conditions that do not involve arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called B56α in regulating heart cell activity, particularly focusing on how it influences sodium channels that are crucial for heart rhythm. By examining how this protein interacts with other components in heart cells, the research aims to uncover new pathways that could be targeted to prevent dangerous heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of heart cell behavior under different conditions, particularly when the heart is under stress from adrenergic stimulation. The ultimate goal is to find new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from arrhythmias.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for heart rhythm regulation, indicating potential for success in this novel 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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Precision imaging of heart rhythms to map arrhythmias without surgery

    A new 3D ultrasound method could noninvasively map how abnormal heart rhythms start and travel, helping doctors plan safer treatments for people with arrhythmias.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11385556

  • New roles for a heart protein in preventing dangerous rhythms

    A heart study will explore how a specific protein regulator (PP2A) affects ion channels that control heartbeat, with the goal of reducing dangerous arrhythmias.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11375997

  • Understanding how small potassium channels affect heart rhythm and disease

    Aims to understand how tiny calcium-activated potassium channels influence heart rhythm and potentially lead to new treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11294983

  • 3D ultrasound mapping to locate sources of abnormal heart rhythms

    This project uses a fast, radiation-free 3D ultrasound method to find where irregular heartbeats start in adults with arrhythmias.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11193775

  • Understanding a New Way to Control Heart Rhythm Problems

    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.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11128719

  • Exploring the mechanisms behind heart rhythm disorders

    This conference is all about helping doctors and researchers understand what causes irregular heartbeats, so they can find better ways to diagnose and treat these issues for people at risk of serious health problems like strokes or sudden heart failure.

    NIH research Gordon Research Conferences · East Greenwich, UNITED STATES · NIH-11065758

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.