Elucidating viable mechanisms of block in the cardiac ryanodine receptor
Dr Mark Bannister and his team at the University of Swansea are studying a protein inside heart cells called the ryanodine receptor. The ryanodine receptor is a channel that releases calcium from stores inside the heart cells, providing the trigger for each heart beat. When the receptor isn’t working correctly, for example in the inherited heart condition catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), calcium leaks out when it’s not meant to, which can lead to heart rhythm disturbances. The ryanodine receptor also becomes leaky in heart failure, reducing the contracting force of the heart. Drugs that block the ryanodine receptor would help doctors treat these conditions. In this project, Dr Bannister will study the ryanodine receptor in detail, measuring the electrical current passing through a single ryanodine receptor molecule. He will study channels that have been genetically altered to identify how blocking drugs might work. He also wants to find out exactly how ryanodine, a natural blocker of the receptor found in a poisonous South American plant, attaches to the channel. This study will reveal where key drug binding sites are located on the ryanodine channels. Understanding this will enable researchers to design new drugs to treat related heart conditions.
Project details
| Grant amount | £205,233 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 August 2016 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/16/46/32155 |
| Status | Complete |
