An Interscholastic Network To Generate LexA Enhancer Trap Lines in .

Binary expression systems like the LexA-LexAop system provide a powerful experimental tool kit to study gene and tissue function in developmental biology, neurobiology, and physiology. However, the number of well-defined LexA enhancer trap insertions remains limited. In this study, we present the molecular characterization and initial tissue expression analysis of nearly 100 novel StanEx LexA enhancer traps, derived from the index line.

Role of suppression of the inward rectifier current in terminal action potential repolarization in the failing heart.

Background: The failing heart exhibits an increased arrhythmia susceptibility that is often attributed to action potential (AP) prolongation due to significant ion channel remodeling. The inwardly rectifying K current (I) has been reported to be reduced, but its contribution to shaping the AP waveform and cell excitability in the failing heart remains unclear.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the effect of I suppression on the cardiac AP and excitability in the normal and failing hearts.