Science as a team sport: Accelerating heart research through training and collaboration
Each February, Ohio State Buckeyes join millions of Americans in sporting red in celebration of American Heart Month – an important reminder that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the US and that pharmaceutical science has a role to play in monitoring our heart health.
Among those leading the charge is Przemysław Radwański, PharmD, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutics and pharmacology at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Radwański’s research focuses on cardiac biophysics and pharmacology with the goal of understanding the mechanisms of life-threatening abnormal heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias) and developing effective antiarrhythmic therapies.
American Heart Month helps to increase awareness of heart disease. We often think of metabolic disease as one of the main drivers of heart issues – and it is. But it’s also important to consider other factors, like neurological or neuropsychiatric issues, that can directly influence heart health.
To expand our understanding of additional risk factors, Dr. Radwański’s lab is currently investigating the link between epilepsy and heart dysfunction.
“Patients with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing heart issues, including abnormal heart rhythms, which can lead to sudden unexplained deaths,” he explained. “Our lab is trying to shed light on how heart dysfunction contributes to sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP).”
Using advanced genetic models that mimic patient mutations, Dr. Radwański’s team is exploring the mechanisms that drive these dysfunctions and offering critical insights that could one day save lives.
Translating research into therapies
Dr. Radwański’s research is deeply rooted in translational science: leveraging discoveries from the lab to find solutions to real-world challenges. As a pharmacologist and a pharmacist, Dr. Radwański has a unique perspective on how direct patient interaction and a basic science background can lead to new research questions.
One notable example involves drug repurposing: taking existing medications and exploring new uses for them.
“We’re repurposing medications that have been on the market for decades to explore new protective effects against abnormal heart rhythms,” he said.
His work with drugs initially developed for Lou Gehrig’s disease could lead to breakthroughs in managing abnormal heartbeats and preventing heart dysfunction. By drawing connections between basic science, clinical applications and large-scale data studies, Dr. Radwański and his team are finding ways to innovate faster without compromising safety.
“The future of translational research lies at the intersection of big data, laboratory discovery and direct patient care,” he said. “Pharmacists hold a unique position in ensuring both the safety and efficacy of personalized therapy approaches for patients.”
Collaboration driving breakthroughs
The Radwański Lab’s work exemplifies Ohio State’s culture of collaboration. Partnerships across campus and beyond help the lab develop cutting-edge tools, such as numerical models, to reveal the intricacies of heart proteins and their role in maintaining regular rhythms.
“Here at Ohio State, we collaborate with experts in microscopy, physiology and engineering to unravel the complexities of abnormal heart rhythms,” Dr. Radwański said. “Through partnerships, we’re developing advanced models that bridge the gap between molecular insights and patient care solutions.”
Dr. Radwański stressed that in addition to collaborating and asking important scientific questions, training the next generation of scientists and clinicians is critical to making discoveries that will improve human health.
“Science is a team sport,” he said. “It takes a village to train a scientist and tackle even the simplest question about heart function.”
Through mentorship and opportunities to engage in hands-on research, College of Pharmacy students are learning to think critically and approach health challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective. This preparation sets them up to become effective change agents and leaders in their fields.