Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Published on: March 12, 2013
Dysfunction in Ankyrin-B Disrupts Heart Rate Regulation by Altering the Membrane Abundance of GIRK Channels
Jingdong Li1, Crystal F Kline1, Omer Cavus2
1The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
None:
Ankyrin-B (AnkB), encoded by ANK2, is essential for ion channel localization in the heart. We investigated its role in regulating sinoatrial node (SAN) responses to autonomic input. AnkB-haploinsufficient (AnkB+/-) mice showed baseline bradycardia, heightened SAN response to β-adrenergic stimulation, and increased heart rate variability. These mice exhibited reduced ICa,L and SAN sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, unchanged IK,ACh density, but impaired IK,ACh desensitization. AnkB interacts with GIRK1/4 subunits, and its loss in cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice reduced GIRK1 membrane localization. Our findings support that AnkB deficiency disrupts autonomic regulation of SAN function through downregulation of ICa,L and the reduction in IK,ACh desensitization.
Related Concept Videos
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

