TH receptor α1 at the crossroad of autonomic and cardiac functions in mice (P12)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 424957847

Thyroid hormone (TH) positively regulates heart rate primarily through cardiac TRa1, while its central actions seem to control the heart rate frequency corridor. Our studies revealed that the direct actions are not exclusively mediated by Hcn2 and Hcn4 channels as previously thought, but may also depend on intact Ryr2 and potassium channels. In the new funding period, we aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms, how cardiac TRa1 controls heart rate and how TRa1 signalling in hypothalamic parvalbumin neurons contributes to adjust heart rate to changing conditions. The data will provide a better understanding of pathological arrhythmias.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 296: Local control of TH action (LocoTact)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jens Mittag