Understanding how sodium channels work in the heart
Official title: Towards systematic analysis of cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel beta subunit function
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11005054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in heart cells affect heart function, especially in people with obesity, to help us understand and find better treatments for heart problems like arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,639 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL168768-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or those affected by obesity-related heart conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any cardiac issues or those not experiencing arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in cardiac muscle, focusing on how their beta subunits influence heart function. By analyzing these channels, the research aims to uncover how defects in their function can lead to serious heart conditions like arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. The approach includes studying the molecular interactions and regulatory mechanisms of these channels, which could provide insights into their role in heart disease, especially in patients with obesity. The findings could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for heart-related issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart conditions associated with sodium channel dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding sodium channel function can lead to significant advancements in treating cardiac diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahern, Christopher a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Ahern, Christopher a
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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.