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For World Heart Rhythm Week, we sat down with Alicia Sixuan, a master’s student in the lab of UÄ¢¹½´«Ã½â€™s Dr. Wayne Chen to learn about her research. 

Tell us about your research

Ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) is a calcium release channel found in the heart that play a critical role in controlling the heartbeat. My research is focused on understanding how mutations of Calsequestrin 2 (CASQQ), a protein that interacts with RyR2, may be related to Calcium Release Deficiency Syndrome (CRDS). 

Why is this important? 

CRDS is a newly defined arrhythmia discovered in the Chen lab. The condition is linked to sudden cardiac death and may have a genetic component. For some, the first indication of the disease may be a dangerous arrhythmia that may lead to sudden cardiac death. Understanding the mechanisms behind this condition is an important step in developing treatments. 

Tell us about your education background

I have always admired physicians because of their desire to help people. I received my medical degree in China at Tongji Medical College, but I was interested in better understanding cardiology and arrhythmias. I chose to come to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ specifically to study in the lab of Dr. Wayne Chen. 

What are your career goals?

For me, it’s not enough to just treat patients. I want to understand the basic mechanisms and help discover new ways to diagnose and treat illness. My ultimate goal is to work as a clinician-researcher specializing in cardiology.