Preventing unfolded protein response-induced ion channel dysregulation to treat arrhythmias

Cardiomyopathies are associated with arrhythmias and cardiac ion channel downregulation. This downregulation is arrhythmogenic. Paradoxically, antiarrhythmic therapies are based on ion channel-blocking drugs that further downregulate these channels and exhibit proarrhythmic risk. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR) prevents select cardiac ion channel downregulation and plays a protective role against arrhythmias. Prevention of ion channel downregulation represents as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat arrhythmias in myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Automated summary

Cardiomyopathies are closely associated with arrhythmias and the downregulation of cardiac ion channels. Recent studies have found that inhibiting the PERK arm of the UPR can prevent the downregulation of specific cardiac ion channels and provide protection against arrhythmias. Preventing ion channel downregulation represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treating arrhythmias caused by myocardial infarction and heart failure.