NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how the heart's pacemaker adapts to changes in pressure and volume.

Official title: Functional Microdomains in the Heart's Pacemaker: A New Dimension of Cardiac Remodeling

Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11002675 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the heart's natural pacemaker reacts to changes in pressure and volume, which could help us understand heart problems like sick sinus syndrome and lead to better treatments for people with irregular heartbeats.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2018
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$552,698
NIH project number5R01HL141214-07
Project IDNIH-11002675 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with hypertension or other conditions that may lead to sick sinus syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable heart conditions that do not involve the sinoatrial node or those without any cardiac issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the heart's primary pacemaker, the sinoatrial node (SAN), responds to mechanical changes in the heart's environment, such as pressure and volume fluctuations. By using advanced imaging techniques and biochemical studies, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind heart rate regulation and how chronic stress can lead to dysfunction in the pacemaker. The goal is to better understand conditions like sick sinus syndrome, which can cause irregular heartbeats and other cardiac issues. This knowledge could pave the way for new preventative strategies and treatments for patients with heart conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from heart rhythm disorders and enhance overall cardiac health.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac function and pacemaker mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Glukhov, Alexey V — University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Study coordinator: Glukhov, Alexey V

Related research

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  • Understanding how specialized heart pacemaker cells drive rhythm and dysfunction

    This NIH grant explores how distinct heart pacemaker cell subtypes contribute to normal rhythm and sinus node dysfunction, with the goal of guiding better treatments for heart rhythm problems.

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  • Biopacemakers for aging hearts using stem-cell pacemaker cells

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  • Magnesium transporter and heart pacemaker: a primate model of arrhythmias

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  • How heart pacemakers sense stretch and speed up

    A study at the University of Washington will explore how PIEZO channels in the heart’s pacemaker help the heart beat faster when the heart experiences stretch.

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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.