Bentzen Group - Cardiac Pharmacology

Ion channels are found in virtually all living organisms, including viruses, plants and in most cell types of the human body. They have key physiological functions such as allowing the heart to beat, regulating release of hormones, controlling sperm cell function and promoting viral proliferation. Not surprisingly, ion channel are one of the top therapeutic drug targets.
Our group works on deciphering the role of ion channels in health and disease. We use a broad range of model systems ranging from electrophysiological recordings on single cells to isolated perfused organs/tissues and recordings on small and large animals.

Our work focuses on cardiac arrhythmia and validating new ion channel drug targets for treatment of these. To accomplish this we employ different strategies to generate cardiac disease models. We successfully work with models of cardiac ischemia, sophisticated large animal models of atrial fibrillation and more. In addition, our broad interest, technical expertise in ion channel physiology, and deep interest in applying our knowledge to discover new therapeutic strategies has also allowed us to join projects on e.g. new male contraceptives, anti-viral treatments and red blood cell diseases.

We foster innovation and collaboration, and are always interesting in setting up new partnerships. It motivates us. Examples of these are 1) Joined project with the Niels Bohr Institute on developing new diagnostic tools for fetal arrhythmia detection and mapping of cardiac fibrosis using quantum sensors. 2) Investigating the role of SK channels in atrial fibrillation. This concept has later been pushed forward to clinical development by the private partner.