Understanding how chloride and pH levels affect heart health and disease

Cardiac chloride and pH regulation in health and disease

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11026409

This study is looking at how certain substances in heart cells affect their acidity levels, especially in people with coronary heart disease, to help find new ways to improve heart health and prevent irregular heartbeats.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11026409 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of chloride and bicarbonate in regulating pH levels in heart cells, particularly during conditions like coronary heart disease. By studying a specific protein, Slc26a6, which helps exchange chloride and bicarbonate in heart cells, the research aims to uncover how these processes influence heart function and arrhythmias. The team will use advanced techniques to analyze heart cells from both mice and humans to understand the mechanisms at play. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutic strategies for heart disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with coronary heart disease or other cardiac conditions that affect heart function.

Not a fit: Patients without any cardiac conditions or those who are not experiencing issues related to heart function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart disease, potentially reducing mortality and enhancing heart function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding chloride and bicarbonate regulation in heart cells, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.