Modulation of ryanodine receptor activity as an antiarrhythmic drug mechanism
In a recent breakthrough, scientists have discovered that the drug, flecainide, is an effective treatment for a type of inherited heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) linked to sudden cardiac death, called catecholaminergic polymorphic tachycardia (CPVT). But despite being very effective, flecainide causes serious side effects in older patients with heart disease. Also, although it’s been shown that flecainide may target the ryanodine receptor - a protein that regulates movement of calcium into the cell from a large internal store - it is still not known exactly how flecainide works, which makes it difficult for researchers to develop similar drugs without side effects. This PhD studentship will identify the precise mechanism by which flecainide prevents calcium dependent arrhythmias. In addition, the student will establish whether other structurally related drugs that do not have serious side effects, work in a similar way to flecainide. In the short term the study may identify existing drugs, with fewer side effects than flecainide, which can be used more widely to treat people with arrhythmias. In the longer term, the research will inform the development of new drugs.
Project details
| Grant amount | £112,108 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | PhD Studentship |
| Start Date | 01 October 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | FS/13/8/29974 |
| Status | Complete |
