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Hessel AL, Ma W, Mazara N, Rice PE, Nissen D, Gong H, Kuehn M, Irving T, Linke WA. Titin force in muscle cells alters lattice order, thick and thin filament protein formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209441119. [PMID: 36409887 PMCID: PMC9860331 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209441119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle force production is increased at longer compared to shorter muscle lengths because of length-dependent priming of thick filament proteins in the contractile unit before contraction. Using small-angle X-ray diffraction in combination with a mouse model that specifically cleaves the stretch-sensitive titin protein, we found that titin cleavage diminished the length-dependent priming of the thick filament. Strikingly, a titin-sensitive, length-dependent priming was also present in thin filaments, which seems only possible via bridge proteins between thick and thin filaments in resting muscle, potentially myosin-binding protein C. We further show that these bridges can be forcibly ruptured via high-speed stretches. Our results advance a paradigm shift to the fundamental regulation of length-dependent priming, with titin as the key driver.
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Koser F, Hobbach AJ, Abdellatif M, Herbst V, Türk C, Reinecke H, Krüger M, Sedej S, Linke WA. Acetylation and phosphorylation changes to cardiac proteins in experimental HFpEF due to metabolic risk reveal targets for treatment. Life Sci 2022; 309:120998. [PMID: 36179815 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Despite the high prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the pathomechanisms remain elusive and specific therapy is lacking. Disease-causing factors include metabolic risk, notably obesity. However, proteomic changes in HFpEF are poorly understood, hampering therapeutic strategies. We sought to elucidate how metabolic syndrome affects cardiac protein expression, phosphorylation and acetylation in the Zucker diabetic fatty/Spontaneously hypertensive heart failure F1 (ZSF1) rat HFpEF model, and to evaluate changes regarding their potential for treatment. MAIN METHODS ZSF1 obese and lean rats were fed a Purina diet up to the onset of HFpEF in the obese animals. We quantified the proteome, phosphoproteome and acetylome of ZSF1 obese versus lean heart tissues by mass spectrometry and singled out targets for site-specific evaluation. KEY FINDINGS The acetylome of ZSF1 obese versus lean hearts was more severely altered (21 % of proteins changed) than the phosphoproteome (9 %) or proteome (3 %). Proteomic alterations, confirmed by immunoblotting, indicated low-grade systemic inflammation and endothelial remodeling in obese hearts, but low nitric oxide-dependent oxidative/nitrosative stress. Altered acetylation in ZSF1 obese hearts mainly affected pathways important for metabolism, energy production and mechanical function, including hypo-acetylation of mechanical proteins but hyper-acetylation of proteins regulating fatty acid metabolism. Hypo-acetylation and hypo-phosphorylation of elastic titin in ZSF1 obese hearts could explain myocardial stiffening. SIGNIFICANCE Cardiometabolic syndrome alters posttranslational modifications, notably acetylation, in experimental HFpEF. Pathway changes implicate a HFpEF signature of low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic and mechanical impairment, and suggest titin stiffness and mitochondrial metabolism as promising therapeutic targets.
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Drost CC, Rovas A, Osiaevi I, Rauen M, van der Vlag J, Buijsers B, Salmenov R, Lukasz A, Pavenstädt H, Linke WA, Kümpers P. Heparanase Is a Putative Mediator of Endothelial Glycocalyx Damage in COVID-19 - A Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:916512. [PMID: 35757776 PMCID: PMC9226442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.916512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease associated with injury (thinning) of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC), a protective layer on the vascular endothelium. The aim of this translational study was to investigate the role of the eGC-degrading enzyme heparanase (HPSE), which is known to play a central role in the destruction of the eGC in bacterial sepsis. Excess activity of HPSE in plasma from COVID-19 patients correlated with several markers of eGC damage and perfused boundary region (PBR, an inverse estimate of glycocalyx dimensions of vessels with a diameter 4-25 µm). In a series of translational experiments, we demonstrate that the changes in eGC thickness of cultured cells exposed to COVID-19 serum correlated closely with HPSE activity in concordant plasma samples (R = 0.82, P = 0.003). Inhibition of HPSE by a nonanticoagulant heparin fragment prevented eGC injury in response to COVID-19 serum, as shown by atomic force microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging. Our results suggest that the protective effect of heparin in COVID-19 may be due to an eGC-protective off-target effect.
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Rędowicz MJ, Linke WA. Virtually "muscling" in pandemic: first virtual European Muscle Conference (September 20-22, 2021). J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2022; 43:45-47. [PMID: 35723852 PMCID: PMC9208351 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-022-09616-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A report on the first virtual European Muscle Conference.
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de Boer RA, Heymans S, Backs J, Carrier L, Coats AJS, Dimmeler S, Eschenhagen T, Filippatos G, Gepstein L, Hulot JS, Knöll R, Kupatt C, Linke WA, Seidman CE, Tocchetti CG, van der Velden J, Walsh R, Seferovic PM, Thum T. Targeted therapies in genetic dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic targets. Eur J Heart Fail 2021; 24:406-420. [PMID: 34969177 PMCID: PMC9305112 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic cardiomyopathies are disorders of the cardiac muscle, most often explained by pathogenic mutations in genes encoding sarcomere, cytoskeleton, or ion channel proteins. Clinical phenotypes such as heart failure and arrhythmia are classically treated with generic drugs, but aetiology‐specific and targeted treatments are lacking. As a result, cardiomyopathies still present a major burden to society, and affect many young and older patients. The Translational Committee of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the Working Group of Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) organized a workshop to discuss recent advances in molecular and physiological studies of various forms of cardiomyopathies. The study of cardiomyopathies has intensified after several new study setups became available, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, three‐dimensional printing of cells, use of scaffolds and engineered heart tissue, with convincing human validation studies. Furthermore, our knowledge on the consequences of mutated proteins has deepened, with relevance for cellular homeostasis, protein quality control and toxicity, often specific to particular cardiomyopathies, with precise effects explaining the aberrations. This has opened up new avenues to treat cardiomyopathies, using contemporary techniques from the molecular toolbox, such as gene editing and repair using CRISPR‐Cas9 techniques, antisense therapies, novel designer drugs, and RNA therapies. In this article, we discuss the connection between biology and diverse clinical presentation, as well as promising new medications and therapeutic avenues, which may be instrumental to come to precision medicine of genetic cardiomyopathies.
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Fomin A, Gärtner A, Cyganek L, Tiburcy M, Tuleta I, Wellers L, Folsche L, Hobbach AJ, von Frieling-Salewsky M, Unger A, Hucke A, Koser F, Kassner A, Sielemann K, Streckfuß-Bömeke K, Hasenfuss G, Goedel A, Laugwitz KL, Moretti A, Gummert JF, Dos Remedios CG, Reinecke H, Knöll R, van Heesch S, Hubner N, Zimmermann WH, Milting H, Linke WA. Truncated titin proteins and titin haploinsufficiency are targets for functional recovery in human cardiomyopathy due to TTN mutations. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabd3079. [PMID: 34731013 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd3079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Loescher CM, Hobbach AJ, Linke WA. Titin (TTN): from molecule to modifications, mechanics and medical significance. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:2903-2918. [PMID: 34662387 PMCID: PMC9648829 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant sarcomere protein titin is a major determinant of cardiomyocyte stiffness and contributor to cardiac strain sensing. Titin-based forces are highly regulated in health and disease, which aids in the regulation of myocardial function, including cardiac filling and output. Due to the enormous size, complexity, and malleability of the titin molecule, titin properties are also vulnerable to dysregulation, as observed in various cardiac disorders. This review provides an overview of how cardiac titin properties can be changed at a molecular level, including the role isoform diversity and post-translational modifications (acetylation, oxidation, and phosphorylation) play in regulating myocardial stiffness and contractility. We then consider how this regulation becomes unbalanced in heart disease, with an emphasis on changes in titin stiffness and protein quality control. In this context, new insights into the key pathomechanisms of human cardiomyopathy due to a truncation in the titin gene (TTN) are discussed. Along the way, we touch on the potential for titin to be therapeutically targeted to treat acquired or inherited cardiac conditions, such as HFpEF or TTN-truncation cardiomyopathy.
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Filomena MC, Yamamoto DL, Carullo P, Medvedev R, Ghisleni A, Piroddi N, Scellini B, Crispino R, D'Autilia F, Zhang J, Felicetta A, Nemska S, Serio S, Tesi C, Catalucci D, Linke WA, Polishchuk R, Poggesi C, Gautel M, Bang ML. Myopalladin knockout mice develop cardiac dilation and show a maladaptive response to mechanical pressure overload. eLife 2021; 10:e58313. [PMID: 34558411 PMCID: PMC8547954 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopalladin (MYPN) is a striated muscle-specific immunoglobulin domain-containing protein located in the sarcomeric Z-line and I-band. MYPN gene mutations are causative for dilated (DCM), hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. In a yeast two-hybrid screening, MYPN was found to bind to titin in the Z-line, which was confirmed by microscale thermophoresis. Cardiac analyses of MYPN knockout (MKO) mice showed the development of mild cardiac dilation and systolic dysfunction, associated with decreased myofibrillar isometric tension generation and increased resting tension at longer sarcomere lengths. MKO mice exhibited a normal hypertrophic response to transaortic constriction (TAC), but rapidly developed severe cardiac dilation and systolic dysfunction, associated with fibrosis, increased fetal gene expression, higher intercalated disc fold amplitude, decreased calsequestrin-2 protein levels, and increased desmoplakin and SORBS2 protein levels. Cardiomyocyte analyses showed delayed Ca2+ release and reuptake in unstressed MKO mice as well as reduced Ca2+ spark amplitude post-TAC, suggesting that altered Ca2+ handling may contribute to the development of DCM in MKO mice.
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Abstract
The sarcomeric titin springs and accessory proteins modulate muscle force and mechanical signaling at the N2A signalosome.
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Abdellatif M, Trummer-Herbst V, Koser F, Durand S, Adão R, Vasques-Nóvoa F, Freundt JK, Voglhuber J, Pricolo MR, Kasa M, Türk C, Aprahamian F, Herrero-Galán E, Hofer SJ, Pendl T, Rech L, Kargl J, Anto-Michel N, Ljubojevic-Holzer S, Schipke J, Brandenberger C, Auer M, Schreiber R, Koyani CN, Heinemann A, Zirlik A, Schmidt A, von Lewinski D, Scherr D, Rainer PP, von Maltzahn J, Mühlfeld C, Krüger M, Frank S, Madeo F, Eisenberg T, Prokesch A, Leite-Moreira AF, Lourenço AP, Alegre-Cebollada J, Kiechl S, Linke WA, Kroemer G, Sedej S. Nicotinamide for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/580/eabd7064. [PMID: 33568522 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd7064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a highly prevalent and intractable form of cardiac decompensation commonly associated with diastolic dysfunction. Here, we show that diastolic dysfunction in patients with HFpEF is associated with a cardiac deficit in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Elevating NAD+ by oral supplementation of its precursor, nicotinamide, improved diastolic dysfunction induced by aging (in 2-year-old C57BL/6J mice), hypertension (in Dahl salt-sensitive rats), or cardiometabolic syndrome (in ZSF1 obese rats). This effect was mediated partly through alleviated systemic comorbidities and enhanced myocardial bioenergetics. Simultaneously, nicotinamide directly improved cardiomyocyte passive stiffness and calcium-dependent active relaxation through increased deacetylation of titin and the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase 2a, respectively. In a long-term human cohort study, high dietary intake of naturally occurring NAD+ precursors was associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiac mortality. Collectively, these results suggest NAD+ precursors, and especially nicotinamide, as potential therapeutic agents to treat diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF in humans.
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Zhou T, Fleming JR, Lange S, Hessel AL, Bogomolovas J, Stronczek C, Grundei D, Ghassemian M, Biju A, Börgeson E, Bullard B, Linke WA, Chen J, Kovermann M, Mayans O. Molecular Characterisation of Titin N2A and Its Binding of CARP Reveals a Titin/Actin Cross-linking Mechanism. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166901. [PMID: 33647290 PMCID: PMC8052292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Striated muscle responds to mechanical overload by rapidly up-regulating the expression of the cardiac ankyrin repeat protein, CARP, which then targets the sarcomere by binding to titin N2A in the I-band region. To date, the role of this interaction in the stress response of muscle remains poorly understood. Here, we characterise the molecular structure of the CARP-receptor site in titin (UN2A) and its binding of CARP. We find that titin UN2A contains a central three-helix bundle fold (ca 45 residues in length) that is joined to N- and C-terminal flanking immunoglobulin domains by long, flexible linkers with partial helical content. CARP binds titin by engaging an α-hairpin in the three-helix fold of UN2A, the C-terminal linker sequence, and the BC loop in Ig81, which jointly form a broad binding interface. Mutagenesis showed that the CARP/N2A association withstands sequence variations in titin N2A and we use this information to evaluate 85 human single nucleotide variants. In addition, actin co-sedimentation, co-transfection in C2C12 cells, proteomics on heart lysates, and the mechanical response of CARP-soaked myofibrils imply that CARP induces the cross-linking of titin and actin myofilaments, thereby increasing myofibril stiffness. We conclude that CARP acts as a regulator of force output in the sarcomere that preserves muscle mechanical performance upon overload stress.
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Fischer B, Dittmann S, Brodehl A, Unger A, Stallmeyer B, Paul M, Seebohm G, Kayser A, Peischard S, Linke WA, Milting H, Schulze-Bahr E. Functional characterization of novel alpha-helical rod domain desmin (DES) pathogenic variants associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, atrioventricular block and a risk for sudden cardiac death. Int J Cardiol 2020; 329:167-174. [PMID: 33373648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmin is the major intermediate filament (IF) protein in human heart and skeletal muscle. So-called 'desminopathies' are disorders due to pathogenic variants in the DES gene and are associated with skeletal myopathies and/or various types of cardiomyopathies. So far, only a limited number of DES pathogenic variants have been identified and functionally characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a Sanger- and next generation sequencing (NGS) approach in patients with various types of cardiomyopathies, we identified two novel, non-synonymous missense DES variants: p.(Ile402Thr) and p.(Glu410Lys). Mutation carriers developed dilated (DCM) or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), and cardiac conduction disease, leading to spare out the exercise-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; we moved this variant to data in brief. To investigate the functional impact of these four DES variants, transfection experiments using SW-13 and H9c2 cells with native and mutant desmin were performed and filament assembly was analyzed by confocal microscopy. The DES_p.(Ile402Thr) and DES_p.(Glu410Lys) cells showed filament assembly defects forming cytoplasmic desmin aggregates. Furthermore, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of myocardial tissue from mutation carriers with the DES_p.(Glu410Lys) pathogenic variant supported the in vitro results. CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results supported the classification of DES_p.(Ile402Thr) and DES_p.(Glu410Lys) as novel pathogenic variants and demonstrated that the cardiac phenotypes associated with DES variants are diverse and cell culture experiments improve in silico analysis and genetic counseling because the pathogenicity of a variant can be clarified.
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Li Y, Hessel AL, Unger A, Ing D, Recker J, Koser F, Freundt JK, Linke WA. Graded titin cleavage progressively reduces tension and uncovers the source of A-band stability in contracting muscle. eLife 2020; 9:64107. [PMID: 33357376 PMCID: PMC7781594 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant muscle protein titin is a major contributor to passive force; however, its role in active force generation is unresolved. Here, we use a novel titin-cleavage (TC) mouse model that allows specific and rapid cutting of elastic titin to quantify how titin-based forces define myocyte ultrastructure and mechanics. We show that under mechanical strain, as TC doubles from heterozygous to homozygous TC muscles, Z-disks become increasingly out of register while passive and active forces are reduced. Interactions of elastic titin with sarcomeric actin filaments are revealed. Strikingly, when titin-cleaved muscles contract, myosin-containing A-bands become split and adjacent myosin filaments move in opposite directions while also shedding myosins. This establishes intact titin filaments as critical force-transmission networks, buffering the forces observed by myosin filaments during contraction. To perform this function, elastic titin must change stiffness or extensible length, unveiling its fundamental role as an activation-dependent spring in contracting muscle.
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Maack C, Eschenhagen T, Hamdani N, Heinzel FR, Lyon AR, Manstein DJ, Metzger J, Papp Z, Tocchetti CG, Yilmaz MB, Anker SD, Balligand JL, Bauersachs J, Brutsaert D, Carrier L, Chlopicki S, Cleland JG, de Boer RA, Dietl A, Fischmeister R, Harjola VP, Heymans S, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Holzmeister J, de Keulenaer G, Limongelli G, Linke WA, Lund LH, Masip J, Metra M, Mueller C, Pieske B, Ponikowski P, Ristić A, Ruschitzka F, Seferović PM, Skouri H, Zimmermann WH, Mebazaa A. Treatments targeting inotropy. Eur Heart J 2020; 40:3626-3644. [PMID: 30295807 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute heart failure (HF) and in particular, cardiogenic shock are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A therapeutic dilemma is that the use of positive inotropic agents, such as catecholamines or phosphodiesterase-inhibitors, is associated with increased mortality. Newer drugs, such as levosimendan or omecamtiv mecarbil, target sarcomeres to improve systolic function putatively without elevating intracellular Ca2+. Although meta-analyses of smaller trials suggested that levosimendan is associated with a better outcome than dobutamine, larger comparative trials failed to confirm this observation. For omecamtiv mecarbil, Phase II clinical trials suggest a favourable haemodynamic profile in patients with acute and chronic HF, and a Phase III morbidity/mortality trial in patients with chronic HF has recently begun. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of systolic dysfunction in patients with HF and the mechanisms through which different inotropic agents improve cardiac function. Since adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria are intimately linked to the processes of excitation-contraction coupling, we also discuss the impact of inotropic agents on mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox regulation. Therefore, this position paper should help identify novel targets for treatments that could not only safely improve systolic and diastolic function acutely, but potentially also myocardial structure and function over a longer-term.
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Triposkiadis F, Butler J, Abboud FM, Armstrong PW, Adamopoulos S, Atherton JJ, Backs J, Bauersachs J, Burkhoff D, Bonow RO, Chopra VK, de Boer RA, de Windt L, Hamdani N, Hasenfuss G, Heymans S, Hulot JS, Konstam M, Lee RT, Linke WA, Lunde IG, Lyon AR, Maack C, Mann DL, Mebazaa A, Mentz RJ, Nihoyannopoulos P, Papp Z, Parissis J, Pedrazzini T, Rosano G, Rouleau J, Seferovic PM, Shah AM, Starling RC, Tocchetti CG, Trochu JN, Thum T, Zannad F, Brutsaert DL, Segers VF, De Keulenaer GW. The continuous heart failure spectrum: moving beyond an ejection fraction classification. Eur Heart J 2020; 40:2155-2163. [PMID: 30957868 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized clinical trials initially used heart failure (HF) patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to select study populations with high risk to enhance statistical power. However, this use of LVEF in clinical trials has led to oversimplification of the scientific view of a complex syndrome. Descriptive terms such as 'HFrEF' (HF with reduced LVEF), 'HFpEF' (HF with preserved LVEF), and more recently 'HFmrEF' (HF with mid-range LVEF), assigned on arbitrary LVEF cut-off points, have gradually arisen as separate diseases, implying distinct pathophysiologies. In this article, based on pathophysiological reasoning, we challenge the paradigm of classifying HF according to LVEF. Instead, we propose that HF is a heterogeneous syndrome in which disease progression is associated with a dynamic evolution of functional and structural changes leading to unique disease trajectories creating a spectrum of phenotypes with overlapping and distinct characteristics. Moreover, we argue that by recognizing the spectral nature of the disease a novel stratification will arise from new technologies and scientific insights that will shape the design of future trials based on deeper understanding beyond the LVEF construct alone.
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Swist S, Unger A, Li Y, Vöge A, von Frieling-Salewsky M, Skärlén Å, Cacciani N, Braun T, Larsson L, Linke WA. Maintenance of sarcomeric integrity in adult muscle cells crucially depends on Z-disc anchored titin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4479. [PMID: 32900999 PMCID: PMC7478974 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant protein titin is thought to be required for sarcomeric integrity in mature myocytes, but direct evidence for this hypothesis is limited. Here, we describe a mouse model in which Z-disc-anchored TTN is depleted in adult skeletal muscles. Inactivation of TTN causes sarcomere disassembly and Z-disc deformations, force impairment, myocyte de-stiffening, upregulation of TTN-binding mechanosensitive proteins and activation of protein quality-control pathways, concomitant with preferential loss of thick-filament proteins. Interestingly, expression of the myosin-bound Cronos-isoform of TTN, generated from an alternative promoter not affected by the targeting strategy, does not prevent deterioration of sarcomere formation and maintenance. Finally, we demonstrate that loss of Z-disc-anchored TTN recapitulates muscle remodeling in critical illness ‘myosinopathy’ patients, characterized by TTN-depletion and loss of thick filaments. We conclude that full-length TTN is required to integrate Z-disc and A-band proteins into the mature sarcomere, a function that is lost when TTN expression is pathologically lowered. Titin is considered an integrator of muscle cell proteins but direct evidence is limited. Here, titin is inactivated in adult mouse muscles, which causes sarcomere disassembly, protein mis-expression and force impairment, recapitulating key alterations in critical illness myopathy patient muscles.
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Schuld J, Orfanos Z, Chevessier F, Eggers B, Heil L, Uszkoreit J, Unger A, Kirfel G, van der Ven PFM, Marcus K, Linke WA, Clemen CS, Schröder R, Fürst DO. Homozygous expression of the myofibrillar myopathy-associated p.W2710X filamin C variant reveals major pathomechanisms of sarcomeric lesion formation. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:154. [PMID: 32887649 PMCID: PMC7650280 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamin C (FLNc) is mainly expressed in striated muscle cells where it localizes to Z-discs, myotendinous junctions and intercalated discs. Recent studies have revealed numerous mutations in the FLNC gene causing familial and sporadic myopathies and cardiomyopathies with marked clinical variability. The most frequent myopathic mutation, p.W2710X, which is associated with myofibrillar myopathy, deletes the carboxy-terminal 16 amino acids from FLNc and abolishes the dimerization property of Ig-like domain 24. We previously characterized "knock-in" mice heterozygous for this mutation (p.W2711X), and have now investigated homozygous mice using protein and mRNA expression analyses, mass spectrometry, and extensive immunolocalization and ultrastructural studies. Although the latter mice display a relatively mild myopathy under normal conditions, our analyses identified major mechanisms causing the pathophysiology of this disease: in comparison to wildtype animals (i) the expression level of FLNc protein is drastically reduced; (ii) mutant FLNc is relocalized from Z-discs to particularly mechanically strained parts of muscle cells, i.e. myotendinous junctions and myofibrillar lesions; (iii) the number of lesions is greatly increased and these lesions lack Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) protein; (iv) the expression of heat shock protein beta-7 (HSPB7) is almost completely abolished. These findings indicate grave disturbances of BAG3-dependent and -independent autophagy pathways that are required for efficient lesion repair. In addition, our studies reveal general mechanisms of lesion formation and demonstrate that defective FLNc dimerization via its carboxy-terminal domain does not disturb assembly and basic function of myofibrils. An alternative, more amino-terminally located dimerization site might compensate for that loss. Since filamins function as stress sensors, our data further substantiate that FLNc is important for mechanosensing in the context of Z-disc stabilization and maintenance.
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Tocchetti CG, Ameri P, de Boer RA, D’Alessandra Y, Russo M, Sorriento D, Ciccarelli M, Kiss B, Bertrand L, Dawson D, Falcao-Pires I, Giacca M, Hamdani N, Linke WA, Mayr M, van der Velden J, Zacchigna S, Ghigo A, Hirsch E, Lyon AR, Görbe A, Ferdinandy P, Madonna R, Heymans S, Thum T. Cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients: beyond direct cardiomyocyte damage of anticancer drugs: novel cardio-oncology insights from the joint 2019 meeting of the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:1820-1834. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In western countries, cardiovascular (CV) disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in the ageing population. Recent epidemiological data suggest that cancer is more frequent in patients with prevalent or incident CV disease, in particular, heart failure (HF). Indeed, there is a tight link in terms of shared risk factors and mechanisms between HF and cancer. HF induced by anticancer therapies has been extensively studied, primarily focusing on the toxic effects that anti-tumour treatments exert on cardiomyocytes. In this Cardio-Oncology update, members of the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart discuss novel evidence interconnecting cardiac dysfunction and cancer via pathways in which cardiomyocytes may be involved but are not central. In particular, the multiple roles of cardiac stromal cells (endothelial cells and fibroblasts) and inflammatory cells are highlighted. Also, the gut microbiota is depicted as a new player at the crossroads between HF and cancer. Finally, the role of non-coding RNAs in Cardio-Oncology is also addressed. All these insights are expected to fuel additional research efforts in the field of Cardio-Oncology.
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Kolijn D, Kovács Á, Herwig M, Lódi M, Sieme M, Alhaj A, Sandner P, Papp Z, Reusch PH, Haldenwang P, Falcão-Pires I, Linke WA, Jaquet K, Van Linthout S, Mügge A, Tschöpe C, Hamdani N. Enhanced Cardiomyocyte Function in Hypertensive Rats With Diastolic Dysfunction and Human Heart Failure Patients After Acute Treatment With Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC) Activator. Front Physiol 2020; 11:345. [PMID: 32523538 PMCID: PMC7261855 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Our aim was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO)-independent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) on cardiomyocyte function in a hypertensive animal model with diastolic dysfunction and in biopsies from human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats and control rats were fed a high-salt diet for 10 weeks and then acutely treated in vivo with the sGC activator BAY 58-2667 (cinaciguat) for 30 min. Single skinned cardiomyocyte passive stiffness (Fpassive) was determined in rats and human myocardium biopsies before and after acute treatment. Titin phosphorylation, activation of the NO/sGC/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) cascade, as well as hypertrophic pathways including NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG, PKA, calcium–calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), and PKC were assessed. In addition, we explored the contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress levels to the modulation of cardiomyocyte function. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used to assess the translocation of sGC and connexin 43 proteins in the rat model before and after treatment. Results High cardiomyocyte Fpassive was found in rats and human myocardial biopsies compared to control groups, which was attributed to hypophosphorylation of total titin and to deranged site-specific phosphorylation of elastic titin regions. This was accompanied by lower levels of PKG and PKA activity, along with dysregulation of hypertrophic pathway markers such as CaMKII, PKC, and ERK2. Furthermore, DSS rats and human myocardium biopsies showed higher pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress compared to controls. DSS animals benefited from treatment with the sGC activator, as Fpassive, titin phosphorylation, PKG and the hypertrophic pathway kinases, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers all significantly improved to the level observed in controls. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy revealed a translocation of sGC protein toward the intercalated disc and t-tubuli following treatment in both control and DSS samples. This translocation was confirmed by staining for the gap junction protein connexin 43 at the intercalated disk. DSS rats showed a disrupted connexin 43 pattern, and sGC activator was able to partially reduce disruption and increase expression of connexin 43. In human HFpEF biopsies, the high Fpassive, reduced titin phosphorylation, dysregulation of the NO–sGC–cGMP–PKG pathway and PKA activity level, and activity of kinases involved in hypertrophic pathways CaMKII, PKC, and ERK2 were all significantly improved by sGC treatment and accompanied by a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion Our data show that sGC activator improves cardiomyocyte function, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, improves sGC–PKG signaling, and normalizes hypertrophic kinases, indicating that it is a potential treatment option for HFpEF patients and perhaps also for cases with increased hypertrophic signaling.
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Zacchigna S, Paldino A, Falcão-Pires I, Daskalopoulos EP, Dal Ferro M, Vodret S, Lesizza P, Cannatà A, Miranda-Silva D, Lourenço AP, Pinamonti B, Sinagra G, Weinberger F, Eschenhagen T, Carrier L, Kehat I, Tocchetti CG, Russo M, Ghigo A, Cimino J, Hirsch E, Dawson D, Ciccarelli M, Oliveti M, Linke WA, Cuijpers I, Heymans S, Hamdani N, de Boer M, Duncker DJ, Kuster D, van der Velden J, Beauloye C, Bertrand L, Mayr M, Giacca M, Leuschner F, Backs J, Thum T. Towards standardization of echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function in adult rodents: a position paper of the ESC Working Group on Myocardial Function. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:43-59. [PMID: 32365197 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method to assess non-invasively cardiac function in clinical and experimental research. Significant progress in the development of echocardiographic equipment and transducers has led to the successful translation of this methodology from humans to rodents, allowing for the scoring of disease severity and progression, testing of new drugs, and monitoring cardiac function in genetically modified or pharmacologically treated animals. However, as yet, there is no standardization in the procedure to acquire echocardiographic measurements in small animals. This position paper focuses on the appropriate acquisition and analysis of echocardiographic parameters in adult mice and rats, and provides reference values, representative images, and videos for the accurate and reproducible quantification of left ventricular function in healthy and pathological conditions.
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Rivas-Pardo JA, Li Y, Mártonfalvi Z, Tapia-Rojo R, Unger A, Fernández-Trasancos Á, Herrero-Galán E, Velázquez-Carreras D, Fernández JM, Linke WA, Alegre-Cebollada J. A HaloTag-TEV genetic cassette for mechanical phenotyping of proteins from tissues. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2060. [PMID: 32345978 PMCID: PMC7189229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule methods using recombinant proteins have generated transformative hypotheses on how mechanical forces are generated and sensed in biological tissues. However, testing these mechanical hypotheses on proteins in their natural environment remains inaccesible to conventional tools. To address this limitation, here we demonstrate a mouse model carrying a HaloTag-TEV insertion in the protein titin, the main determinant of myocyte stiffness. Using our system, we specifically sever titin by digestion with TEV protease, and find that the response of muscle fibers to length changes requires mechanical transduction through titin's intact polypeptide chain. In addition, HaloTag-based covalent tethering enables examination of titin dynamics under force using magnetic tweezers. At pulling forces < 10 pN, titin domains are recruited to the unfolded state, and produce 41.5 zJ mechanical work during refolding. Insertion of the HaloTag-TEV cassette in mechanical proteins opens opportunities to explore the molecular basis of cellular force generation, mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.
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Herwig M, Kolijn D, Lódi M, Hölper S, Kovács Á, Papp Z, Jaquet K, Haldenwang P, Dos Remedios C, Reusch PH, Mügge A, Krüger M, Fielitz J, Linke WA, Hamdani N. Modulation of Titin-Based Stiffness in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy via Protein Kinase D. Front Physiol 2020; 11:240. [PMID: 32351396 PMCID: PMC7174613 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant protein titin performs structure-preserving functions in the sarcomere and is important for the passive stiffness (Fpassive) of cardiomyocytes. Protein kinase D (PKD) enzymes play crucial roles in regulating myocardial contraction, hypertrophy, and remodeling. PKD phosphorylates myofilament proteins, but it is not known whether the giant protein titin is also a PKD substrate. Here, we aimed to determine whether PKD phosphorylates titin and thereby modulates cardiomyocyte Fpassive in normal and failing myocardium. The phosphorylation of titin was assessed in cardiomyocyte-specific PKD knock-out mice (cKO) and human hearts using immunoblotting with a phosphoserine/threonine and a phosphosite-specific titin antibody. PKD-dependent site-specific titin phosphorylation in vivo was quantified by mass spectrometry using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) of SILAC-labeled mouse heart protein lysates that were mixed with lysates isolated from hearts of either wild-type control (WT) or cKO mice. Fpassive of single permeabilized cardiomyocytes was recorded before and after PKD and HSP27 administration. All-titin phosphorylation was reduced in cKO compared to WT hearts. Multiple conserved PKD-dependent phosphosites were identified within the Z-disk, A-band and M-band regions of titin by quantitative mass spectrometry, and many PKD-dependent phosphosites detected in the elastic titin I-band region were significantly decreased in cKO. Analysis of titin site-specific phosphorylation showed unaltered or upregulated phosphorylation in cKO compared to matched WT hearts. Fpassive was elevated in cKO compared to WT cardiomyocytes and PKD administration lowered Fpassive of WT and cKO cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients showed higher Fpassive compared to control hearts and significantly lower Fpassive after PKD treatment. In addition, we found higher phosphorylation at CaMKII-dependent titin sites in HCM compared to control hearts. Expression and phosphorylation of HSP27, a substrate of PKD, were elevated in HCM hearts, which was associated with increased PKD expression and phosphorylation. The relocalization of HSP27 in HCM away from the sarcomeric Z-disk and I-band suggested that HSP27 failed to exert its protective action on titin extensibility. This protection could, however, be restored by administration of HSP27, which significantly reduced Fpassive in HCM cardiomyocytes. These findings establish a previously unknown role for PKDin regulating diastolic passive properties of healthy and diseased hearts.
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Dai Y, Amenov A, Ignatyeva N, Koschinski A, Xu H, Soong PL, Tiburcy M, Linke WA, Zaccolo M, Hasenfuss G, Zimmermann WH, Ebert A. Troponin destabilization impairs sarcomere-cytoskeleton interactions in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:209. [PMID: 31937807 PMCID: PMC6959358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sarcomeric troponin-tropomyosin complex is a critical mediator of excitation-contraction coupling, sarcomeric stability and force generation. We previously reported that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from patients with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) mutation, troponin T (TnT)-R173W, display sarcomere protein misalignment and impaired contractility. Yet it is not known how TnT mutation causes dysfunction of sarcomere microdomains and how these events contribute to misalignment of sarcomeric proteins in presence of DCM TnT-R173W. Using a human iPSC-CM model combined with CRISPR/Cas9-engineered isogenic controls, we uncovered that TnT-R173W destabilizes molecular interactions of troponin with tropomyosin, and limits binding of PKA to local sarcomere microdomains. This attenuates troponin phosphorylation and dysregulates local sarcomeric microdomains in DCM iPSC-CMs. Disrupted microdomain signaling impairs MYH7-mediated, AMPK-dependent sarcomere-cytoskeleton filament interactions and plasma membrane attachment. Small molecule-based activation of AMPK can restore TnT microdomain interactions, and partially recovers sarcomere protein misalignment as well as impaired contractility in DCM TnT-R173W iPSC-CMs. Our findings suggest a novel therapeutic direction targeting sarcomere- cytoskeleton interactions to induce sarcomere re-organization and contractile recovery in DCM.
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Hesse B, Rovas A, Buscher K, Kusche-Vihrog K, Brand M, Di Marco GS, Kielstein JT, Pavenstädt H, Linke WA, Nofer JR, Kümpers P, Lukasz A. Symmetric dimethylarginine in dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein mediates endothelial glycocalyx breakdown in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2019; 97:502-515. [PMID: 32008804 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (d-HDL) in chronic kidney disease is known to have a change in composition towards an endothelial-damaging phenotype, amongst others, via the accumulation of symmetric dimethylarginine. The endothelial glycocalyx, a carbohydrate-rich layer lining the endothelial luminal surface, is a first line defense against vascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Here we conducted a translational, cross-sectional study to determine the role of symmetric dimethylarginine in d-HDL as a mediator of glycocalyx damage. Using confocal and atomic force microscopy, intact HDL from healthy donors was found to maintain the glycocalyx while isolated HDL from hemodialysis patients and exogenous symmetric dimethylarginine caused significant damage to the glycocalyx in endothelial cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Symmetric dimethylarginine triggered glycocalyx deterioration via molecular pathways mediated by toll-like-receptor 2 and matrix metalloprotease-9. Corresponding intravital microscopy revealed that exogenous symmetric dimethylarginine and d-HDL from hemodialysis patients caused glycocalyx breakdown, which subsequently contributed to alterations in leukocyte rolling. Biologically effective HDL, which estimates the functionality of HDL, was calculated from circulating HDL-cholesterol and symmetric dimethylarginine, as described in the literature. Biologically effective HDL was the only parameter that could independently predict glycocalyx damage in vivo. Thus, our data suggest that symmetric dimethylarginine in d-HDL mediates glycocalyx breakdown in chronic kidney disease.
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Zaunbrecher RJ, Abel AN, Beussman K, Leonard A, von Frieling-Salewsky M, Fields PA, Pabon L, Reinecke H, Yang X, Macadangdang J, Kim DH, Linke WA, Sniadecki NJ, Regnier M, Murry CE. Cronos Titin Is Expressed in Human Cardiomyocytes and Necessary for Normal Sarcomere Function. Circulation 2019; 140:1647-1660. [PMID: 31587567 PMCID: PMC6911360 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.119.039521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant sarcomere protein titin is important in both heart health and disease. Mutations in the gene encoding for titin (TTN) are the leading known cause of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. The uneven distribution of these mutations within TTN motivated us to seek a more complete understanding of this gene and the isoforms it encodes in cardiomyocyte (CM) sarcomere formation and function. METHODS To investigate the function of titin in human CMs, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate homozygous truncations in the Z disk (TTN-Z-/-) and A-band (TTN-A-/-) regions of the TTN gene in human induced pluripotent stem cells. The resulting CMs were characterized with immunostaining, engineered heart tissue mechanical measurements, and single-cell force and calcium measurements. RESULTS After differentiation, we were surprised to find that despite the more upstream mutation, TTN-Z-/--CMs had sarcomeres and visibly contracted, whereas TTN-A-/--CMs did not. We hypothesized that sarcomere formation was caused by the expression of a recently discovered isoform of titin, Cronos, which initiates downstream of the truncation in TTN-Z-/--CMs. Using a custom Cronos antibody, we demonstrate that this isoform is expressed and integrated into myofibrils in human CMs. TTN-Z-/--CMs exclusively express Cronos titin, but these cells produce lower contractile force and have perturbed myofibril bundling compared with controls expressing both full-length and Cronos titin. Cronos titin is highly expressed in human fetal cardiac tissue, and when knocked out in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived CMs, these cells exhibit reduced contractile force and myofibrillar disarray despite the presence of full-length titin. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that Cronos titin is expressed in developing human CMs and is able to support partial sarcomere formation in the absence of full-length titin. Furthermore, Cronos titin is necessary for proper sarcomere function in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived CMs. Additional investigation is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms of this novel isoform and how it contributes to human cardiac disease.
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