The Role of Connexin40 in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation Probed by Targeted In Vivo Gene Transfer

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a fast and irregular heart rhythm that can predispose sufferers to heart failure and stroke. AF occurs as the result of abnormal electrical conduction in the upper heart chambers. We have found that a protein called Cx40 causes abnormal conduction in heart cells when grown in culture. The aim of this research is to see if AF occurs when Cx40 is increased and prevented when Cx40 is decreased in an AF animal model, potentially defining Cx40 as new therapeutic target.