Goldhaber Lab
Research in the Goldhaber Lab is directed toward a more complete understanding of how cellular calcium regulates contractile and pacemaker function of the heart. A major focus is the role of membrane transporters, including the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX), in this process. The lab uses sophisticated biophysical assays to study human and animal models of disease to understand the molecular mechanisms that cause heart failure and arrhythmia including sinus node disease. Our methods include patch clamp, confocal microscopy, voltage and calcium mapping and genetic modification of murine models.
The Goldhaber Lab is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as well as the Department of Defense.
Personal Statement
Intracellular calcium regulation by cellular transporters and ion channels is critical for normal function of the heart. Our lab is studying novel and genetically modified proteins to determine whether they can be used to mitigate cardiac disease. This important area of research is entering a new era thanks to new tools and approaches including “omics” and artificial intelligence.
JOSHUA I. GOLDHABER, MD
Breakthrough Research
- Metabolic stress impairs calcium regulation and excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, resulting in contractile failure.
- Localized calcium release sites responsible for activating contraction, known as couplons, drop out during metabolic inhibition in a predictable fashion.
- At the subcellular level, EC coupling is fundamentally different in HFrEF and HFpEF: HFrEF involves failure of EC coupling and reduced “gain” of calcium-induced calcium release, while HFpEF enhances gain but is resistant to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
- Sinoatrial node automaticity depends upon sodium-calcium exchange (NCX) and the calcium clock component of the coupled clock system.
- Calcium overload from NCX ablation in the sinoatrial node activates small potassium (SK) channels, resulting in cessation of pacemaker activity.
Publications
Learn more about the recent research publications from the Goldhaber Lab.
Laboratory Team
Learn more about the scientists, faculty members, investigators and other healthcare professionals of the Goldhaber Lab, whose dedicated efforts lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Job Opportunities
We are actively recruiting students and postdocs to be our colleagues and expand lab knowledge and expertise to make important breakthroughs.
Collaborations
The Goldhaber Lab collaborates with a wide range of investigators within Cedars-Sinai and institutions around the world.
- Michela Ottolia, PhD, Professor, UCLA
- Kenneth D. Philipson, PhD, Professor Emeritus, UCLA
- Robert S. Ross, MD, Professor of Medicine, UCSD
- Linda Cai, PhD, Professor, UCLA
Contact the Goldhaber Lab
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Davis Building, Room 2058
Los Angeles, CA 90048