Understanding the causes of atrial fibrillation
Official title: The molecular determinants of atrial fibrillation
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11062449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the genetic reasons behind atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm issue, to help find better treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $122,839 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL173573-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, particularly those over the age of 55.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with arrhythmias unrelated to atrial fibrillation or those without a genetic predisposition to AF may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. By utilizing advanced techniques like multiomics, which combines RNA and chromatin accessibility sequencing, the study aims to identify genetic factors and pathways that contribute to AF. The goal is to uncover how specific genes, such as TBX5 and LKB1, influence heart cell function and arrhythmia development, ultimately leading to improved treatment strategies for patients. Participants may contribute to a deeper understanding of AF and its genetic underpinnings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for atrial fibrillation, improving heart health and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors related to atrial fibrillation, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sweat, Mason Eric — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sweat, Mason Eric
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
Anticoagulation in ICH Survivors with Atrial Fibrillation and Small Vessel Disease
This project looks at how to safely use blood-thinning medicines in people who survived a brain bleed and also have atrial fibrillation and small vessel disease.
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Lowering heart inflammation to reduce atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes
Seeing whether blocking a pro-inflammatory enzyme or boosting the heart's natural inflammation-resolving signals can lower atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes.
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Atrial fibrillation, clots, and stroke: the heart’s JNK2 as a target
This NIH grant explores how a heart protein called JNK2 may drive atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and stroke, and whether it could serve as a biomarker and new treatment approach.
-
A risk score to spot high-risk heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who may need anticoagulation
A new tool uses patient data and heart MRI markers to identify heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who might benefit from anticoagulation while minimizing bleeding risk.
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DECIDE-AF: a shared decision tool in your health portal to help prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation
A patient-friendly tool in your electronic health record helps you and your doctor choose the right way to prevent strokes if you have atrial fibrillation.
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.