The Health Research Council of New Zealand has awarded a $1.2 million grant to a multidisciplinary team at the University of Auckland to investigate the cellular mechanisms behind atrial fibrillation (AF) the most common heart rhythm disorder.
The team includes Associate Professor Jichao Zhao, Dr David Baddeley, Dr David Crossman, Ms Misty Edmond and Associate Professor Martin Stiles will explore how tiny structures within heart cells, known as subcellular tubules, change in AF and contribute to its development. Using advanced 3D imaging, the team will compare heart cells from healthy and AF-affected animals, test medications, and apply computer modelling to understand how these structural changes impact heart function.
This 36-month initiative brings together experts in cardiovascular research, imaging, and engineering, aiming to pave the way for more effective, targeted treatments for AF and improve outcomes for patients nationwide