Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
09:17
High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
14.1K
Emerging pro-arrhythmic mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation
Mitra Sabetghadam Moghadam1, Andy Kim1, Christopher Chivers1
1Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|April 28, 2026
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm disorder. This review explores how genetic variants impact AF development through cellular and developmental pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia linked to substantial morbidity and mortality.
- A significant heritable component of AF is recognized, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrillation (AF), emphasizing novel cellular and developmental aspects.
- To elucidate how genetic variants contribute to AF pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genome sequencing.
- Analysis of identified genetic variants impacting developmental transcription factors, cardiomyocyte structural proteins, and metabolic regulators.
- Discussion of emerging cell and developmental mechanisms in AF.
Main Results:
- Genetic variants implicated in AF affect key developmental pathways.
- Identified genes regulate transcription factors crucial for heart development.
- Alterations in cardiomyocyte structure and metabolism are linked to AF susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations play a critical role in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation.
- Understanding these genetic underpinnings, particularly developmental mechanisms, is key to unraveling AF pathogenesis.
- Further research into these genetic factors and pathways can inform future therapeutic strategies for AF.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
2.7K
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
2.7K
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
5.3K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
5.3K
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
1.2K
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
1.2K
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
709
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
709
01:19Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
7.8K
The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase...
7.8K
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
788
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
788