Old drugs new tricks: the ability of dantrolene and a carvedilol derivative (VKII-86) to prevent calcium waves and arrhythmia (Dr Victoria Robinson)
Calcium is vital for the function of our heart and it is fundamental to the control of our heartbeat. A protein called the ryanodine receptor is crucial in the process; it allows calcium to move to areas in the heart cell where it can be used. Dangerous abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm can develop when the ryanodine receptor is faulty, for example in people with a condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Researchers are working to improve the treatment of dangerous heart rhythms, because we are still largely reliant on invasive devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Dr Luigi Venetucci and his team at the University of Manchester will now test the potential of two drugs – already licensed for other conditions - in the treatment of CPVT. Dantrolene and VKII-86 are known to stop the ryanodine receptor and could prevent calcium mishandling in heart cells. The team aim to determine how these drugs might treat irregular heart rhythms, by studying mice and mouse heart cells that are genetically engineered to have CPVT. By understanding how these drugs work, and working out what dose would be effective, this study could pave the way for an early clinical trial. It is hoped that these medicines have the potential to treat CPVT and related conditions, including the dangerous heartbeats that result from heart failure.
Project details
| Grant amount | £237,002 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | Clinical Research Training Fellowship |
| Start Date | 01 February 2019 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | FS/18/77/33876 |
| Status | In Progress |
