Understanding how drugs interact with heart ion channels to prevent dangerous heart rhythms
Official title: Investigation of state-specific drug binding to cardiac ion channels to reveals mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10900405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different medications interact with a key heart channel to help find safer drug options that can lower the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,709 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174025-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed medications that may affect heart rhythm or those with a history of arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not take medications affecting cardiac ion channels or who do not have arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain drugs bind to cardiac ion channels, particularly the hERG channel, which is crucial for heart rhythm regulation. By using advanced molecular modeling and simulations, the study aims to identify how different drug binding states can either increase or decrease the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Patients may benefit from insights gained about safer drug options that minimize the risk of heart rhythm disturbances. The research employs high-throughput techniques to assess drug interactions with various cardiac channels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer anti-arrhythmic drugs that reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding drug interactions with cardiac channels, but this specific approach using state-specific modeling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rouen, Kyle C — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Rouen, Kyle C
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.