Vera Popolizio

University of Milan

Vera Popolizio's research has made significant contributions to the understanding of atrial fibrillation, a common and complex heart condition. The study found that a pitx2 gain-of-function mutation, previously linked to atrial fibrillation, significantly alters mitochondrial activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived atrial-like cardiomyocytes. This breakthrough has substantial implications for the field of cardiology, as it provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation. The study's findings have the potential to inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function in cardiac tissue, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients with this debilitating condition.