Cardiac myocytes derived from skin fibroblasts
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Use of cardiac myocytes derived from skin fibroblasts to study patients with Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes (IAS)
IRAS ID
171480
Contact name
Luigi Venetucci
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes (IAS) are caused by changes (mutations) in the genetic make-up of the heart (genes form the pattern of molecules within cells that are inherited from our parents). Heart cells are electrically charged, like a battery so any changes in the make-up of the cell (gene mutations) can cause disruptions to the rhythm of the heart. The heart beat can become irregular (arrhythmia) and, sometimes it can stop completely; leading to death.
Studying living heart cells is very difficult but this study hopes to take advantage of a new technique that allows scientists to obtain heart cells from samples of skin taken from patients with IAS. The cells obtained from such samples are similar enough to the cells of the heart muscle it is possible to study to effect of the mutations on the electrical properties of the heart. We can determine the cause of arrhythmias and sudden death and then test new therapies within a laboratory. Ultimately this will increase our understanding of IAS and lead to targeted treatments.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0301
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion