Objective
The main objective of this project is to identify genes contributing to human variation in heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive index of cardiac parasympathetic tone and a predictor of all-cause mortality, arrhythmic events and sudden death. Eight key genes involved in biosynthesis, transport, breakdown and receptor binding of acetylcholine will be assessed by a gene-wide approach with all variants within a candidate gene considered jointly.
In this collaborative project we will use data from both the host institution (University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands) and the institute from which the fellow returns (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA, USA). More specifically, we will use data from the TRAILS cohort (800 unrelated white youth) and data on 720 black youth drawn from the Georgia Cardiovascular Twin Study and the longitudinal BP Stress cohort. All cohorts had beat-to-beat heart rate measured at rest and during stress tasks.
We plan to calculate all the commonly used time and frequency-domain parameters of HRV by using freely available dedicated HRV software. Recent evidence suggests that the effect of genes influencing HRV at rest may be more pronounced under behavioural stress. Our study design incorporating both HRV at rest and under stress, will therefore optimize our chances of identifying genes for HRV.
The long-term objective of this project is to understand the genetic basis of cardiac autonomic function. Findings may lead to a more accurate prediction of individuals at risk, improve the effectiveness of primary interventions and contribute to individualized therapy for cardiovascular disease.
This collaborative project will allow the development of a lasting co-operation between the host institution and the scientific institute from which the fellow returns. As such it will contribute to European research and transfer knowledge acquired by the fellow while at the Medical College of Georgia in the USA.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-12
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
IRG - Marie Curie actions-International re-integration grants
Coordinator
GRONINGEN
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.