Elucidating the interactions between IP 3 -dependent Ca 2+ release and Ca 2+ -stimulated adenylyl cyclases in controlling atrial function
Each heartbeat is controlled by an electric signal that triggers the movement of calcium ions into the heart muscle cells. The flow of calcium ions in and out of heart muscle cells is fundamental for the control of our heartbeat. When disrupted, it causes irregular heart rhythms. The most common is atrial fibrillation (AF), which affects the upper chambers of our heart – the atria. However, major gaps remain in our understanding of how calcium is regulated in the atria and how this can lead to AF. Two molecular systems are at play to control calcium flow in the atria, involving molecules called IP3 and adenylyl cyclases. However, little is known about how these two pathways work together, and how this might contribute to irregular heart rhythms. In this study, Dr Rebecca-Ann Burton and her team will conduct research to explore the possible interactions between these calcium-handling systems. This will provide new insights into how the heartbeat is controlled across the top chambers of the heart, and how it can go wrong in AF.
Project details
| Grant amount | £219,367 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 08 April 2019 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/18/4/33521 |
| Status | In Progress |
