Understanding how faulty ion channels cause abnormal electrical activity in the heart

Characterising and mapping hERG channel interactors: new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying arrhythmia (Dr Oliver Hanington)

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat caused by disorganized electrical signals in the heart. Arrhythmias can be fatal and they are a major cause of sudden cardiac death. The production and flow of electricity through the heart muscle is controlled in part by proteins called ion channels. Arrhythmias can occur when ion channels do not function correctly, perhaps because of inherited genetic mistakes (mutations) or side effects of drugs. An important ion channel called hERG is essential for normal electrical activity in the heart. Inherited mutations in the hERG gene are known to affect its function leading to increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Professor Jules Hancox of the University of Bristol is an expert in the electrical activity of the heart. He will supervise a project to better understand how the function of hERG is altered by these genetic mutations. In particular, the team of researchers will see which proteins interact with and control the hERG ion channel, and find out how this differs when the channel is faulty. The results of this study will help us to better understand why inherited changes in hERG increase the risk of arrhythmia. The new knowledge could lead to the development of treatments that prevent sudden death in people with abnormal heart rhythms.