Iowa State University · PhysiologyAtrial Fibrillation Research Unit
Xun Ai · Ames, Iowa
Research Focus
Dr. Xun Ai's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly how alcohol consumption and inflammation contribute to this common heart condition. The research aims to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers related to AF, especially in the context of postoperative scenarios and alcohol-induced heart damage. Through a combination of electrophysiological techniques and biochemical assays, the lab seeks to establish a novel understanding of the interactions between stress-response pathways and inflammation in AF pathogenesis.
atrial fibrillationalcoholinflammationJNK2postoperative AFcardiac electrophysiologyheart failurebiomarkerstherapeutic targetscytokines
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the mechanisms of the JNK2-NLRP3 feedback loop in atrial Ca2+ mishandling.
AIM 02Identify JNK as a potential biomarker for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
AIM 03Explore the role of alcohol in promoting inflammation-related atrial fibrillation.
AIM 04Characterize the functional impact of JNK2 variants on heart failure induced by alcohol.
AIM 05Test therapeutic approaches targeting JNK2 and NLRP3 signaling pathways.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiology techniquesmolecular biochemistrycell cultureanimal modelsbiochemical assaysgene transferdata analysismicroscopyprotein assaysPCR
Output against the department
Publications78bottom 17% of dept.235th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.0kbottom 25% of dept.215th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.