Aleksey Zima

Aleksey Zima is Professor of Cell and Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine. His research investigates calcium regulation in cardiac muscle, focusing on ryanodine receptor function and its dysregulation in heart failure. Using confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, and computational modeling, his lab examines how beta-adrenergic stimulation and oxidative stress contribute to arrhythmogenic calcium waves.

Current projects explore the mechanisms of calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the role of reactive oxygen species in calcium-dependent arrhythmias, and novel therapeutic approaches for improving calcium handling in failing hearts. His work integrates molecular studies with whole-heart physiology.