Role of altered nanodomains of calcium signalling in atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm, when the normal synchronised contraction of the upper chambers (atria) of the heart goes awry. This can have life-threatening consequences because it increases the risk of blood clots, which can travel into the brain and cause a stroke. A better understanding of how AF is caused is essential. One way that the rhythm of our heartbeat is controlled is by the rapid flow of calcium ions into and out of each heart cell. These researchers propose that in AF there is a disruption to this essential process. They believe that the proteins which move the calcium in and out of these cells are normally located very close to each other, on and under the cell surface. They will test whether this arrangement of proteins is lost in AF, and if this affects how these proteins work together. The study will use samples of leftover heart cells donated by patients who are having heart surgery. Some of these patients will have AF, and some won’t, and their cells can be compared. The researchers will see whether AF is linked to how far apart these important calcium-handling proteins are spaced. The results could help us work towards new treatments that are more effective at treating AF and other irregular heart rhythm disorders.
Project details
| Grant amount | £163,912 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 08 July 2017 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/17/3/32722 |
| Status | In Progress |
