Areas of Research

Research at the Institute for Cardiovascular Research centers around understanding the causes of cardiovascular disease at the molecular, cellular and electrophysiological levels. Investigators employ the fields of molecular biology, molecular genetics, cellular electrophysiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, mathematics, clinical cardiology and surgery.

Research at the cellular and molecular levels is concentrated in three major areas. Membrane biology seeks to understand the function of the proteins forming ion channels on the cell membrane that are responsible for the electrical activity of the heart. Molecular genetics of contractile function looks at the role of specific genes regulating the heart's cyclic contraction in heart failure. Cell signaling focuses on the regulation of cell and membrane function by intra- and extracellular factors, molecular biology of signaling pathways, cell communication and ion channels.

ICR investigators also study the whole heart and its electrical properties, particularly in regards to the manner in which electrical waves form and propagate through the heart to maintain its normal function, and the alterations of such waves that result in cardiac arrhythmias.

The ICR's mathematical experts develop computer models that simulate the function of the heart. These models are used to determine the biophysical properties and function of the membrane ion channels and to make predictions about how life-threatening arrhythmias develop.

Research Objectives

To understand how cells in the heart communicate with each other
To understand the mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation, the major cause of sudden death
To understand the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, the major cause of stroke
To develop new treatments for arrhythmias and prevent sudden death
To develop genetic models of heart disease
To study the molecular genetics of heart failure
To study the molecular causes of diseases of the blood vessels