My research group works with ion channels that play important roles in the heart, nervous system and muscle tissue. However, I am particularly interested in cardiac ion channels. Mutations in these ion channels cause cardiac arrhythmias in patients, such as atrial and ventricular fibrillation, which may cause sudden cardiac death. How specific mutations cause cardiac arrhythmia is not known for many mutations and there is no medical drug that restores the function of these channels. My hope is that our research will contribute to improved treatments for these arrhythmias and related disorders.

Sara Liin
Associate Professor, Docent
Each heart beat and nervous impulse is made possible by well-controlled flow of ions through specialized proteins, ion channels. I try to understand how mutated ion channels cause disease and how to develop new treatment strategies.