Research investigating mechanisms behind serious cardiac condition

June 1, 2026

Research investigating mechanisms behind serious cardiac condition

Masters student says work is first step in developing treatments

Alicia Sixuan stands beside a microscope in a lab at the University of 91̽��

Master's student Alicia Sixuan works in the Chen lab at the University of 91̽��. Dawn Smith

For World Heart Rhythm Week, we sat down with Alicia Sixuan, a master’s student in the lab of U91̽��’s Dr. Wayne Chen to learn about her research.

Tell us about your research

Ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) is a calcium release channel found in the heart that play a critical role in controlling the heartbeat. My research is focused on understanding how mutations of Calsequestrin 2 (CASQQ), a protein that interacts with RyR2, may be related to Calcium Release Deficiency Syndrome (CRDS).

Why is this important?

CRDS is a newly defined arrhythmia discovered in the Chen lab. The condition is linked to sudden cardiac death and may have a genetic component. For some, the first indication of the disease may be a dangerous arrhythmia that may lead to sudden cardiac death. Understanding the mechanisms behind this condition is an important step in developing treatments.

Tell us about your education background

I have always admired physicians because of their desire to help people. I received my medical degree in China at Tongji Medical College, but I was interested in better understanding cardiology and arrhythmias. I chose to come to 91̽�� specifically to study in the lab of Dr. Wayne Chen.

What are your career goals?

For me, it’s not enough to just treat patients. I want to understand the basic mechanisms and help discover new ways to diagnose and treat illness. My ultimate goal is to work as a clinician-researcher specializing in cardiology.