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Updated: May 6, 2026

Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Published on: March 12, 2013
hERG potassium channels and cardiac arrhythmia
Michael C Sanguinetti1, Martin Tristani-Firouzi
1Department of Physiology, University of Utah, 95 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA. sanguinetti@cvrti.utah.edu
Abstract:
hERG potassium channels are essential for normal electrical activity in the heart. Inherited mutations in the HERG gene cause long QT syndrome, a disorder that predisposes individuals to life-threatening arrhythmias. Arrhythmia can also be induced by a blockage of hERG channels by a surprisingly diverse group of drugs. This side effect is a common reason for drug failure in preclinical safety trials. Insights gained from the crystal structures of other potassium channels have helped our understanding of the block of hERG channels and the mechanisms of gating.
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