Michela Ottolia
Papers
1
Total Citations
31
H-Index
1
About
Michela Ottolia is a leading researcher in cardiac physiology, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling and ion transport in heart cells. Her primary research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX1.1), the principal pathway for Ca²⁺ extrusion from cardiac muscle after contraction. Ottolia’s major contributions include elucidating how Ca²⁺ itself regulates NCX1.1 activity through binding to two intracellular regulatory domains, CBD1 and CBD2. Her landmark 2009 study, which has garnered 31 citations, provided the first structural and functional analysis of a Ca²⁺ sensor mutant of the exchanger, revealing critical insights into how Ca²⁺ binding triggers conformational changes that modulate transport. This work has been pivotal for understanding cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and arrhythmia mechanisms. Ottolia’s research, often employing mutagenesis, electrophysiology, and structural biology, has been widely recognized for bridging molecular structure with physiological function. Her findings continue to inform therapeutic strategies for heart failure and calcium-handling disorders, making her a key figure in cardiovascular ion transport research.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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