Understanding how small potassium channels affect heart rhythm and disease
Official title: Decoding the enigma of cardiac arrhythmia and mechanosensitivity
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11294983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how tiny calcium-activated potassium channels influence heart rhythm and potentially lead to new treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2033 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,127 |
| NIH project number | 1R35HL184262-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with atrial fibrillation or heart failure who could benefit from better rhythm control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atrial fibrillation or heart failure or those not eligible for future translational trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project studies small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK/KCa2) channels in heart cells to see how they shape electrical activity and rhythms. It uses a mix of lab experiments and computer modeling to uncover when SK channels protect against or promote irregular heartbeats. By exploring their role in healthy and diseased hearts, the research may point to new ways to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The work brings together experts in structure, function, and innovative tools to translate findings toward potential therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide development of new drugs or strategies to prevent or treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked SK channels to heart rhythm and disease, with ongoing exploration of therapeutic potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiamvimonvat, Nipavan — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Chiamvimonvat, Nipavan
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
AI and 4D ultrasound to pinpoint where abnormal heart rhythms begin
Uses AI together with time-resolved 3D (4D) ultrasound to find where abnormal heart rhythms start in people with arrhythmias.
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.