Resolving the contribution of luminal and cytosolic Ca2+ in the dysfunction of SCD-linked mutant RyR2 channels: an in-depth analysis of channel gating
Coordinated contraction of the heart muscle during each heartbeat is only achieved when calcium movement in heart cells is well controlled. Unfortunately, we now know that genetic errors in key molecules and structures of the heart that control this calcium flow can affect the normal function of the heart. Dr Nia Lowri Thomas from Cardiff University is particularly interested in finding out more about these errors and how they may be corrected. She has been awarded a grant to conduct a 3-year research project in this area. Dr Thomas’ team will look at the actions of channel proteins through which calcium flows in heart cells. They will look at the actions of single channels which are defective and see how these may disrupt heart function, causing an abnormal rhythm. Understanding this behaviour will help develop new treatments and drug therapies.
Project details
| Grant amount | £110,889 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | PhD Studentship |
| Start Date | 01 January 2014 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | FS/13/61/30409 |
| Status | Complete |
