Optogenetic investigation of mechanisms underlying ventricular tachycardia

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Philipp Sasse
• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 313904155

A ventricular tachycardia is a potential lethal cardiac arrhythmia and one of the leading causes for sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction or during chronic heart failure. Aim of this proposal is to investigate the mechanisms that cause such arrhythmias using optogenetic technologies. This method is based on illumination of light-sensitive proteins and permits, in contrast to classical pharmacological or electrical stimulation, spatially precise and cell type-specific modulation of the membrane potential and intracellular signaling cascades. The planned studies will provide novel insights into the mechanism underlying ventricular tachycardia. In addition, we expect that the high spatial precision of optogenetic stimulation will identify vulnerable areas in the heart that may be ideal targets for novel treatment regimen.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants