Role of CaV1.3 and HCN4 in the chronotropic beta-adrenergic effect on heart rate

Heart failure is the leading cause of death worldwide. Its prevalence increases with age and the appearance of co-morbidities such as arterial hypertension, ischemia, and rhythm disorders. With an ageing population, heart failure is becoming a major global problem to be managed. In the heart, the propagation of electrical signals enables contraction in a coordinated and autonomous manner. The automaticity of the heart originates in specific cells called pacemaker cells. The activity of specific ion channels leads to the generation of these electrical signals. The heart is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, through the activation of ß-adrenergic pathways. Activation of this signaling pathway influences the activity of the ion channels involved in cardiac automatism. Modulations of cardiac activity linked to these mechanisms are present in heart failure.

 

The IGF is studying the role of its ion channels in the heart to obtain a better understanding of the various mechanisms leading to the onset of cardiac pathologies. My internship at the IGF will enable us to study the role of Cav1.3 calcium channels and HCN4 potassium channels on the β-adrenergic response in the heart. To this end, studies will be carried out on heart rate, electrical impulse conduction velocity and action potential duration in the heart by modulating the response of β-adrenergic receptors. Langendorff system and optical mapping methods will be used in this project to register all those parameters.