The Alvarado Lab studies the mechanisms that control cardiac function. The main focus is on the regulation of calcium handling in the heart.
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EC Coupling
Excitation-contraction (EC) coupling is the process that converts electrical signals into cardiac contraction.
Ryanodine Receptor 2
Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is the largest ion channel. It releases calcium from an intracellular store during EC coupling.
Calcium Waves
Mutations in RyR2 may lead to abnormal cardiac calcium handling and arrhythmia.
In vivo electrophysiology
An intracardiac catheter is used to record electrical activity in a mouse model with an RyR2 mutation.
Isolated cardiomyocytes
Intact or permeabilized cardiomyocytes are studied under a confocal microscope to evaluate calcium handling.