Modulation of electrophysiology, Ca2+ handling and arrhythmic susceptibility in the atria in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of P21 activated kinase-1
Tiny pores, or ion channels on the surface of heart muscle cells open and close to let electrically charged sodium, calcium and potassium ions flow into and out of heart cells and generate the electrical signal that spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom, causing the heart to contract and pump blood. This electrical signal is tightly regulated by controlling the behaviour of ion channels and calcium levels within heart cells. People with atrial fibrillation (AF), have an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. Scientists are studying heart electrical activity to reveal new ways to treat AF. Dr Ming Lei from the University of Oxford has found that a protein called P21-activated kinase1 (Pak1) plays a role in setting the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat by controlling ion channel proteins. The BHF has now awarded the team a grant to study Pak1 in more detail, and find out what it does in two of the chambers – the left and right atria - of the heart. In mice, they will determine Pak1’s role in controlling the electricals in the heart, and if Pak1 is important in AF. Their work will reveal if drugs that control Pak1 regulators could be a new way to treat rhythm disorders like AF.
Project details
| Grant amount | £204,976 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 March 2015 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/14/80/31106 |
| Status | Complete |
