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Stroik D, Gregorich ZR, Raza F, Ge Y, Guo W. Titin: roles in cardiac function and diseases. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1385821. [PMID: 38660537 PMCID: PMC11040099 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1385821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The giant protein titin is an essential component of muscle sarcomeres. A single titin molecule spans half a sarcomere and mediates diverse functions along its length by virtue of its unique domains. The A-band of titin functions as a molecular blueprint that defines the length of the thick filaments, the I-band constitutes a molecular spring that determines cell-based passive stiffness, and various domains, including the Z-disk, I-band, and M-line, serve as scaffolds for stretch-sensing signaling pathways that mediate mechanotransduction. This review aims to discuss recent insights into titin's functional roles and their relationship to cardiac function. The role of titin in heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawson Stroik
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Zachery R. Gregorich
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Farhan Raza
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Wei Guo
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Coscarella IL, Landim-Vieira M, Rastegarpouyani H, Chase PB, Irianto J, Pinto JR. Nucleus Mechanosensing in Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13341. [PMID: 37686151 PMCID: PMC10487505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac muscle contraction is distinct from the contraction of other muscle types. The heart continuously undergoes contraction-relaxation cycles throughout an animal's lifespan. It must respond to constantly varying physical and energetic burdens over the short term on a beat-to-beat basis and relies on different mechanisms over the long term. Muscle contractility is based on actin and myosin interactions that are regulated by cytoplasmic calcium ions. Genetic variants of sarcomeric proteins can lead to the pathophysiological development of cardiac dysfunction. The sarcomere is physically connected to other cytoskeletal components. Actin filaments, microtubules and desmin proteins are responsible for these interactions. Therefore, mechanical as well as biochemical signals from sarcomeric contractions are transmitted to and sensed by other parts of the cardiomyocyte, particularly the nucleus which can respond to these stimuli. Proteins anchored to the nuclear envelope display a broad response which remodels the structure of the nucleus. In this review, we examine the central aspects of mechanotransduction in the cardiomyocyte where the transmission of mechanical signals to the nucleus can result in changes in gene expression and nucleus morphology. The correlation of nucleus sensing and dysfunction of sarcomeric proteins may assist the understanding of a wide range of functional responses in the progress of cardiomyopathic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maicon Landim-Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Hosna Rastegarpouyani
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute for Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Prescott Bryant Chase
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jerome Irianto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jose Renato Pinto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Linke WA. Stretching the story of titin and muscle function. J Biomech 2023; 152:111553. [PMID: 36989971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the giant protein titin, also known as connectin, dates almost half a century back. In this review, I recapitulate major advances in the discovery of the titin filaments and the recognition of their properties and function until today. I briefly discuss how our understanding of the layout and interactions of titin in muscle sarcomeres has evolved and review key facts about the titin sequence at the gene (TTN) and protein levels. I also touch upon properties of titin important for the stability of the contractile units and the assembly and maintenance of sarcomeric proteins. The greater part of my discussion centers around the mechanical function of titin in skeletal muscle. I cover milestones of research on titin's role in stretch-dependent passive tension development, recollect the reasons behind the enormous elastic diversity of titin, and provide an update on the molecular mechanisms of titin elasticity, details of which are emerging even now. I reflect on current knowledge of how muscle fibers behave mechanically if titin stiffness is removed and how titin stiffness can be dynamically regulated, such as by posttranslational modifications or calcium binding. Finally, I highlight novel and exciting, but still controversially discussed, insight into the role titin plays in active tension development, such as length-dependent activation and contraction from longer muscle lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Germany; Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany.
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Noureddine M, Gehmlich K. Structural and signaling proteins in the Z-disk and their role in cardiomyopathies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1143858. [PMID: 36935760 PMCID: PMC10017460 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1143858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The sarcomere is the smallest functional unit of muscle contraction. It is delineated by a protein-rich structure known as the Z-disk, alternating with M-bands. The Z-disk anchors the actin-rich thin filaments and plays a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical stability of the cardiac muscle. A multitude of proteins interact with each other at the Z-disk and they regulate the mechanical properties of the thin filaments. Over the past 2 decades, the role of the Z-disk in cardiac muscle contraction has been assessed widely, however, the impact of genetic variants in Z-disk proteins has still not been fully elucidated. This review discusses the various Z-disk proteins (alpha-actinin, filamin C, titin, muscle LIM protein, telethonin, myopalladin, nebulette, and nexilin) and Z-disk-associated proteins (desmin, and obscurin) and their role in cardiac structural stability and intracellular signaling. This review further explores how genetic variants of Z-disk proteins are linked to inherited cardiac conditions termed cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Noureddine
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Hettige P, Mishra D, Granzier H, Nishikawa K, Gage MJ. Contributions of Titin and Collagen to Passive Stress in Muscles from mdm Mice with a Small Deletion in Titin's Molecular Spring. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8858. [PMID: 36012129 PMCID: PMC9408699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy with myositis (mdm) is a naturally occurring mutation in the mouse Ttn gene that results in higher passive stress in muscle fibers and intact muscles compared to wild-type (WT). The goal of this study was to test whether alternative splicing of titin exons occurs in mdm muscles, which contain a small deletion in the N2A-PEVK regions of titin, and to test whether splicing changes are associated with an increase in titin-based passive tension. Although higher levels of collagen have been reported previously in mdm muscles, here we demonstrate alternative splicing of titin in mdm skeletal muscle fibers. We identified Z-band, PEVK, and C-terminus Mex5 exons as splicing hotspots in mdm titin using RNA sequencing data and further reported upregulation in ECM-associated genes. We also treated skinned mdm soleus fiber bundles with trypsin, trypsin + KCl, and trypsin + KCL + KI to degrade titin. The results showed that passive stress dropped significantly more after trypsin treatment in mdm fibers (11 ± 1.6 mN/mm2) than in WT fibers (4.8 ± 1 mN/mm2; p = 0.0004). The finding that treatment with trypsin reduces titin-based passive tension more in mdm than in WT fibers supports the hypothesis that exon splicing leads to the expression of a stiffer and shorter titin isoform in mdm fibers. After titin extraction by trypsin + KCl + KI, mdm fibers (6.7 ± 1.27 mN/mm2) had significantly higher collagen-based passive stress remaining than WT fibers (2.6 ± 1.3 mN/mm2; p = 0.0014). We conclude that both titin and collagen contribute to higher passive tension of mdm muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabodha Hettige
- Chemistry Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Dhruv Mishra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5640, USA
| | - Henk Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Kiisa Nishikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5640, USA
| | - Matthew J. Gage
- Chemistry Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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Kötter S, Krüger M. Protein Quality Control at the Sarcomere: Titin Protection and Turnover and Implications for Disease Development. Front Physiol 2022; 13:914296. [PMID: 35846001 PMCID: PMC9281568 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.914296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomeres are mainly composed of filament and signaling proteins and are the smallest molecular units of muscle contraction and relaxation. The sarcomere protein titin serves as a molecular spring whose stiffness mediates myofilament extensibility in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Due to the enormous size of titin and its tight integration into the sarcomere, the incorporation and degradation of the titin filament is a highly complex task. The details of the molecular processes involved in titin turnover are not fully understood, but the involvement of different intracellular degradation mechanisms has recently been described. This review summarizes the current state of research with particular emphasis on the relationship between titin and protein quality control. We highlight the involvement of the proteasome, autophagy, heat shock proteins, and proteases in the protection and degradation of titin in heart and skeletal muscle. Because the fine-tuned balance of degradation and protein expression can be disrupted under pathological conditions, the review also provides an overview of previously known perturbations in protein quality control and discusses how these affect sarcomeric proteins, and titin in particular, in various disease states.
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Soetkamp D, Gallet R, Parker SJ, Holewinski R, Venkatraman V, Peck K, Goldhaber JI, Marbán E, Van Eyk JE. Myofilament Phosphorylation in Stem Cell Treated Diastolic Heart Failure. Circ Res 2021; 129:1125-1140. [PMID: 34641704 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.316311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Phosphorylation of sarcomeric proteins has been implicated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); such changes may contribute to diastolic dysfunction by altering contractility, cardiac stiffness, Ca2+-sensitivity, and mechanosensing. Treatment with cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) restores normal diastolic function, attenuates fibrosis and inflammation, and improves survival in a rat HFpEF model. OBJECTIVE Phosphorylation changes that underlie HFpEF and those reversed by CDC therapy, with a focus on the sarcomeric subproteome were analyzed. METHODS AND RESULTS Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet, with echocardiographically verified diastolic dysfunction, were randomly assigned to either intracoronary CDCs or placebo. Dahl salt-sensitive rats receiving low salt diet served as controls. Protein and phosphorylated Ser, Thr, and Tyr residues from left ventricular tissue were quantified by mass spectrometry. HFpEF hearts exhibited extensive hyperphosphorylation with 98% of the 529 significantly changed phospho-sites increased compared with control. Of those, 39% were located within the sarcomeric subproteome, with a large group of proteins located or associated with the Z-disk. CDC treatment partially reverted the hyperphosphorylation, with 85% of the significantly altered 76 residues hypophosphorylated. Bioinformatic upstream analysis of the differentially phosphorylated protein residues revealed PKC as the dominant putative regulatory kinase. PKC isoform analysis indicated increases in PKC α, β, and δ concentration, whereas CDC treatment led to a reversion of PKCβ. Use of PKC isoform specific inhibition and overexpression of various PKC isoforms strongly suggests that PKCβ is the dominant kinase involved in hyperphosphorylation in HFpEF and is altered with CDC treatment. CONCLUSIONS Increased protein phosphorylation at the Z-disk is associated with diastolic dysfunction, with PKC isoforms driving most quantified phosphorylation changes. Because CDCs reverse the key abnormalities in HFpEF and selectively reverse PKCβ upregulation, PKCβ merits being classified as a potential therapeutic target in HFpEF, a disease notoriously refractory to medical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Soetkamp
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Romain Gallet
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sarah J Parker
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | - Kiel Peck
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Eduardo Marbán
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Hettige P, Tahir U, Nishikawa KC, Gage MJ. Comparative analysis of the transcriptomes of EDL, psoas, and soleus muscles from mice. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:808. [PMID: 33213377 PMCID: PMC7678079 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07225-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual skeletal muscles have evolved to perform specific tasks based on their molecular composition. In general, muscle fibers are characterized as either fast-twitch or slow-twitch based on their myosin heavy chain isoform profiles. This approach made sense in the early days of muscle studies when SDS-PAGE was the primary tool for mapping fiber type. However, Next Generation Sequencing tools permit analysis of the entire muscle transcriptome in a single sample, which allows for more precise characterization of differences among fiber types, including distinguishing between different isoforms of specific proteins. We demonstrate the power of this approach by comparing the differential gene expression patterns of extensor digitorum longus (EDL), psoas, and soleus from mice using high throughput RNA sequencing. RESULTS EDL and psoas are typically classified as fast-twitch muscles based on their myosin expression pattern, while soleus is considered a slow-twitch muscle. The majority of the transcriptomic variability aligns with the fast-twitch and slow-twitch characterization. However, psoas and EDL exhibit unique expression patterns associated with the genes coding for extracellular matrix, myofibril, transcription, translation, striated muscle adaptation, mitochondrion distribution, and metabolism. Furthermore, significant expression differences between psoas and EDL were observed in genes coding for myosin light chain, troponin, tropomyosin isoforms, and several genes encoding the constituents of the Z-disk. CONCLUSIONS The observations highlight the intricate molecular nature of skeletal muscles and demonstrate the importance of utilizing transcriptomic information as a tool for skeletal muscle characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabodha Hettige
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.,UMass Movement Center, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Uzma Tahir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Kiisa C Nishikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Matthew J Gage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA. .,UMass Movement Center, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
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Chen P, Xiao Y, Wang Y, Zheng Z, Chen L, Yang X, Li J, Wu W, Zhang S. Intracellular calcium current disorder and disease phenotype in OBSCN mutant iPSC-based cardiomyocytes in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Theranostics 2020; 10:11215-11229. [PMID: 33042279 PMCID: PMC7532677 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Obscurin participates in the development of striated muscles and maintenance of the functional sarcoplasmic reticulum. However, the role of obscurin in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is not well understood. We aimed to study the novel obscurin mutations in the pathogenesis of ARVC and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) through retroviral reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from a 46-year-old female diagnosed with ARVC, carrying a mutation in OBSCN. The cells differentiated into functional iPSC-based cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), whose phenotype was determined by transmission electron microscopy, electrophysiological description, immunofluorescence staining, and Oil Red O staining. Molecular characterization was performed by bioinformatic analyses, and identification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results: ARVC-iPSC-CMs mutation in OBSCN showed significant accumulation of lipids, increased pleomorphism, irregular Z-bands, and increased L type calcium currents. Functional enrichment analysis identified pathways involved in focal adhesion and structure formation; the adipocytokines and PPAR signaling pathways were also activated in the ARVC group. Moreover, our results from ultra-high-resolution microscopy, qRT-PCR and Western blotting confirmed that the mutant OBSCN protein and its anchor protein, Ank1.5, showed structural disorder and decreased expression, but there was increased expression of junctional protein N-Cadherin. Further analysis revealed the gene expression of other desmosomal proteins in ARVC-iPSC-CMs was also decreased but some adipogenesis pathway-related proteins (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FABP4) were increased. Conclusion: A novel frameshift mutation in OBSCN caused phenotypic alteration accompanied by disrupted localization and decreased expression of its anchoring protein Ank1.5. Furthermore, there was an accumulation of lipids with an increase in fatty fibrosis area and myocardial structural disorder, possibly leading to dysrhythmia in calcium channel-related myocardial contraction. These observations suggested the possibility of attenuating ARVC progression by therapeutic modulation of OBSCN expression.
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An expanded proteome of cardiac t-tubules. Cardiovasc Pathol 2019; 42:15-20. [PMID: 31202980 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transverse tubules (t-tubules) are important structural elements, derived from sarcolemma, found on all striated myocytes. These specialized organelles create a scaffold for many proteins crucial to the effective propagation of signal in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. The full protein composition of this region is unknown. METHODS We characterized the t-tubule subproteome using 52,033 immunohistochemical images covering 13,203 proteins from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) cardiac tissue microarrays. We used HPASubC, a suite of Python tools, to rapidly review and classify each image for a specific t-tubule staining pattern. The tools Gene Cards, String 11, and Gene Ontology Consortium as well as literature searches were used to understand pathways and relationships between the proteins. RESULTS There were 96 likely t-tubule proteins identified by HPASubC. Of these, 12 were matrisome proteins and 3 were mitochondrial proteins. A separate literature search identified 50 known t-tubule proteins. A comparison of the 2 lists revealed only 17 proteins in common, including 8 of the matrisome proteins. String11 revealed that 94 of 127 combined t-tubule proteins generated a single interconnected network. CONCLUSION Using HPASubC and the HPA, we identified 78 novel, putative t-tubule proteins and validated 17 within the literature. This expands and improves our knowledge of this important subcellular structure of the cardiac myocyte. This information can be used to identify new structural targets involved in excitation-contraction coupling that may be altered in disease.
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Brynnel A, Hernandez Y, Kiss B, Lindqvist J, Adler M, Kolb J, van der Pijl R, Gohlke J, Strom J, Smith J, Ottenheijm C, Granzier HL. Downsizing the molecular spring of the giant protein titin reveals that skeletal muscle titin determines passive stiffness and drives longitudinal hypertrophy. eLife 2018; 7:40532. [PMID: 30565562 PMCID: PMC6300359 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin, the largest protein known, forms an elastic myofilament in the striated muscle sarcomere. To establish titin’s contribution to skeletal muscle passive stiffness, relative to that of the extracellular matrix, a mouse model was created in which titin’s molecular spring region was shortened by deleting 47 exons, the TtnΔ112-158 model. RNA sequencing and super-resolution microscopy predicts a much stiffer titin molecule. Mechanical studies with this novel mouse model support that titin is the main determinant of skeletal muscle passive stiffness. Unexpectedly, the in vivo sarcomere length working range was shifted to shorter lengths in TtnΔ112-158 mice, due to a ~ 30% increase in the number of sarcomeres in series (longitudinal hypertrophy). The expected effect of this shift on active force generation was minimized through a shortening of thin filaments that was discovered in TtnΔ112-158 mice. Thus, skeletal muscle titin is the dominant determinant of physiological passive stiffness and drives longitudinal hypertrophy. Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambjorn Brynnel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Yaeren Hernandez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Balazs Kiss
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Johan Lindqvist
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Maya Adler
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Justin Kolb
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Robbert van der Pijl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Jochen Gohlke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Joshua Strom
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - John Smith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Coen Ottenheijm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Henk L Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
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Freundt JK, Linke WA. Titin as a force-generating muscle protein under regulatory control. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:1474-1482. [PMID: 30521425 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00865.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Titin has long been recognized as a mechanical protein in muscle cells that has a main function as a molecular spring in the contractile units, the sarcomeres. Recent work suggests that the titin spring contributes to muscle contraction in a more active manner than previously thought. In this review, we highlight this property, specifically the ability of the immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains of titin to undergo unfolding-refolding transitions when isolated titin molecules or skeletal myofibrils are held at physiological force levels. Folding of titin Ig domains under force is a hitherto unappreciated, putative source of work production in muscle cells, which could work in synergy with the actomyosin system to maximize the energy delivered by a stretched, actively contracting muscle. This review also focuses on the mechanisms shown to modulate titin-based viscoelastic forces in skeletal muscle cells, including chaperone binding, titin oxidation, phosphorylation, Ca2+ binding, and interaction with actin filaments. Along the way, we discuss which of these modulatory mechanisms might contribute to the phenomenon of residual force enhancement relevant for eccentric muscle contractions. Finally, a brief perspective is added on the potential for the alterations in titin-based force to dynamically alter mechano-chemical signaling pathways in the muscle cell. We conclude that titin from skeletal muscle is a determinant of both passive and active tension and a bona fide mechanosensor, whose stiffness is tuned by various independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Freundt
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
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13
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Chen Z, Maimaiti R, Zhu C, Cai H, Stern A, Mozdziak P, Ge Y, Ford SP, Nathanielsz PW, Guo W. Z-band and M-band titin splicing and regulation by RNA binding motif 20 in striated muscles. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:9986-9996. [PMID: 30133019 PMCID: PMC6218289 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Titin (TTN) has multifunctional roles in sarcomere assembly, mechanosignaling transduction, and muscle stiffness. TTN splicing generates variable protein sizes with different functions. Therefore, understanding TTN splicing is important to develop a novel treatment for TTN-based diseases. The I-band TTN splicing regulated by RNA binding motif 20 (RBM20) has been extensively studied. However, the Z- and M-band splicing and regulation remain poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to define the Z- and M-band splicing in striated muscles and determined whether RBM20 regulates the Z- and M-band splicing. We discovered four new Z-band TTN splicing variants, and one of them dominates in mouse, rat, sheep, and human hearts. But only one form can be detected in frog and chicken hearts. In skeletal muscles, three new Z repeats (Zr) were detected, and Zr4 to 6 exclusion dominates in the fast muscles, whereas Zr4 skipping dominates in the slow muscle. No developmental changes were detected in the Z-band. In the M-band, two new variants were discovered with alternative 3' splice site in exon363 (Mex5) and alternative 5' splice site in intron 362. However, only the sheep heart expresses two new variants rather than other species. Skeletal muscles express three M-band variants with altered ratios of Mex5 inclusion to Mex5 exclusion. Finally, we revealed that RBM20 does not regulate the Z- and M-band splicing in the heart, but does in skeletal muscles. Taken together, we characterized the Z- and M-band splicing and provided the first evidence of the role of RBM20 in the Z- and M-band TTN splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Chen
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Rexiati Maimaiti
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Chaoqun Zhu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Hanfang Cai
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Allysa Stern
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Chemistry, Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephen P Ford
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | | | - Wei Guo
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
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14
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Nuclear connectin novex-3 promotes proliferation of hypoxic foetal cardiomyocytes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12337. [PMID: 30120340 PMCID: PMC6098106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30886-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of cardiomyocyte proliferative capacity after birth is a major obstacle for therapeutic heart regeneration in adult mammals. We and others have recently shown the importance of hypoxic in utero environments for active foetal cardiomyocyte proliferation. Here, we report the unexpected expression of novex-3, the short splice variant of the giant sarcomeric protein connectin (titin), in the cardiomyocyte nucleus specifically during the hypoxic foetal stage in mice. This nuclear localisation appeared to be regulated by the N-terminal region of novex-3, which contains the nuclear localisation signal. Importantly, the nuclear expression of novex-3 in hypoxic foetal cardiomyocytes was repressed at the postnatal stage following the onset of breathing and the resulting elevation of oxygen tension, whereas the sarcomeric expression remained unchanged. Novex-3 knockdown in foetal cardiomyocytes repressed cell cycle-promoting genes and proliferation, whereas novex-3 overexpression enhanced proliferation. Mechanical analysis by atomic force microscopy and microneedle-based tensile tests demonstrated that novex-3 expression in hypoxic foetal cardiomyocytes contributes to the elasticity/compliance of the nucleus at interphase and facilitates proliferation, by promoting phosphorylation-induced disassembly of multimer structures of nuclear lamins. We propose that novex-3 has a previously unrecognised role in promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation specifically at the hypoxic foetal stage.
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15
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Savarese M, Jonson PH, Huovinen S, Paulin L, Auvinen P, Udd B, Hackman P. The complexity of titin splicing pattern in human adult skeletal muscles. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:11. [PMID: 29598826 PMCID: PMC5874998 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the titin gene (TTN) cause a large spectrum of diseases affecting skeletal and/or cardiac muscle. TTN includes 363 coding exons, a repeated region with a high degree of complexity, isoform-specific elements, and metatranscript-only exons thought to be expressed only during fetal development. Although three main classes of isoforms have been described so far, alternative splicing events (ASEs) in different tissues or in different developmental and physiological states have been reported. METHODS To achieve a comprehensive view of titin ASEs in adult human skeletal muscles, we performed a RNA-Sequencing experiment on 42 human biopsies collected from 12 anatomically different skeletal muscles of 11 individuals without any skeletal-muscle disorders. RESULTS We confirmed that the skeletal muscle N2A isoforms are highly prevalent, but we found an elevated number of alternative splicing events, some at a very high level. These include previously unknown exon skipping events and alternative 5' and 3' splice sites. Our data suggests the partial inclusion in the TTN transcript of some metatranscript-only exons and the partial exclusion of canonical N2A exons. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an extensive picture of the complex TTN splicing pattern in human adult skeletal muscle, which is crucial for a proper clinical interpretation of TTN variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Savarese
- Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum, Haartmaninkatu 8, Pb 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Per Harald Jonson
- Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Huovinen
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lars Paulin
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Auvinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Peter Hackman
- Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Savarese M, Sarparanta J, Vihola A, Udd B, Hackman P. Increasing Role of Titin Mutations in Neuromuscular Disorders. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 3:293-308. [PMID: 27854229 PMCID: PMC5123623 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The TTN gene with 363 coding exons encodes titin, a giant muscle protein spanning from the Z-disk to the M-band within the sarcomere. Mutations in the TTN gene have been associated with different genetic disorders, including hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy and several skeletal muscle diseases. Before the introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, the molecular analysis of TTN has been laborious, expensive and not widely used, resulting in a limited number of mutations identified. Recent studies however, based on the use of NGS strategies, give evidence of an increasing number of rare and unique TTN variants. The interpretation of these rare variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) represents a challenge for clinicians and researchers. The main aim of this review is to describe the wide spectrum of muscle diseases caused by TTN mutations so far determined, summarizing the molecular findings as well as the clinical data, and to highlight the importance of joint efforts to respond to the challenges arising from the use of NGS. An international collaboration through a clinical and research consortium and the development of a single accessible database listing variants in the TTN gene, identified by high throughput approaches, may be the key to a better assessment of titinopathies and to systematic genotype– phenotype correlation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Savarese
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Sarparanta
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Departments of Medicine- Endocrinology and Molecular Pharmacology, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Anna Vihola
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Neurology, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Peter Hackman
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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17
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Guo W, Sun M. RBM20, a potential target for treatment of cardiomyopathy via titin isoform switching. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:15-25. [PMID: 28577155 PMCID: PMC5803173 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-017-0267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy, also known as heart muscle disease, is an unfavorable condition leading to alterations in myocardial contraction and/or impaired ability of ventricular filling. The onset and development of cardiomyopathy have not currently been well defined. Titin is a giant multifunctional sarcomeric filament protein that provides passive stiffness to cardiomyocytes and has been implicated to play an important role in the origin and development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Titin-based passive stiffness can be mainly adjusted by isoform switching and post-translational modifications in the spring regions. Recently, genetic mutations of TTN have been identified that can also contribute to variable passive stiffness, though the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we will discuss titin isoform switching as it relates to alternative splicing during development stages and differences between species and muscle types. We provide an update on the regulatory mechanisms of TTN splicing controlled by RBM20 and cover the roles of TTN splicing in adjusting the diastolic stiffness and systolic compliance of the healthy and the failing heart. Finally, this review attempts to provide future directions for RBM20 as a potential target for pharmacological intervention in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA.
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Integrative Medicine, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA.
| | - Mingming Sun
- Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Integrative Medicine, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
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18
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Experimental Verification of CAPN1 and CAST Gene Polymorphisms in Different Generations of Da-Heng Broilers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7968450. [PMID: 28713829 PMCID: PMC5497636 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7968450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The micromolar calcium activated neutral protease (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) have been widely regarded as genes related to muscle growth and meat tenderness. The objective of this study was to verify the association of SNPs of CAPN1 and CAST genes with carcass and tenderness traits and search the possible change patterns of SNPs in CAPN1 and CAST genes in six generations of broiler breeding process for growth rate, efficiency, and reproduction, during the third generation and the ninth generation, respectively. We found that, for CAPN1, genetic effects between SNPs (G3535A, C7198A) and meat tenderness were similar in different generations, while SNP3 (G7324A) was a novel polymorphism and had significant association with carcass and tenderness traits (P < 0.05) in this study. Furthermore, there was significant association between SNP4 (G9950A) and carcass indexes instead of tenderness traits (P < 0.05) which was consistent in the two generations. Moreover, although SNP6 (G37868A) of CAST had no relevance to carcass traits or tenderness traits in the third generation, it showed significant association with LW and CW in the ninth generation (P < 0.05).
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19
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Zhang C, Zhang H, Wu G, Luo X, Zhang C, Zou Y, Wang H, Hui R, Wang J, Song L. Titin-Truncating Variants Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Can J Cardiol 2017; 33:1292-1297. [PMID: 28822653 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Titin-truncating variants (TTNtv) have been detected in a variety of cardiomyopathies and represent the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, their significance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is still unclear. METHODS The titin gene (TTN) was sequenced for truncating variants in a cohort of 529 Chinese patients with HCM and 307 healthy controls. Baseline and follow-up clinical data (for 4.7 ± 3.2 years) from these patients were obtained. RESULTS We identified 13 and 8 TTNtv in patients with HCM (13 of 529 [2.5%]) and controls (8 of 307 [2.6%]), respectively. The prevalence of TTNtv in patients with HCM and in healthy controls was comparable (P = 0.895). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and those without TTNtv. However, during follow-up, patients with TTNtv (3 of 13 [23.1%]) were more likely to experience cardiovascular death compared with those without TTNtv (39 of 516 [7.6%]) [adjusted hazard ratio, 6.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.04-23.20; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that TTNtv might be a genetic modifier of HCM and confer an increased risk for cardiovascular death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongju Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Medical Ultrasonics, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Channa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yubao Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rutai Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jizheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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20
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α-Actinin/titin interaction: A dynamic and mechanically stable cluster of bonds in the muscle Z-disk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:1015-1020. [PMID: 28096424 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1612681114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable anchoring of titin within the muscle Z-disk is essential for preserving muscle integrity during passive stretching. One of the main candidates for anchoring titin in the Z-disk is the actin cross-linker α-actinin. The calmodulin-like domain of α-actinin binds to the Z-repeats of titin. However, the mechanical and kinetic properties of this important interaction are still unknown. Here, we use a dual-beam optical tweezers assay to study the mechanics of this interaction at the single-molecule level. A single interaction of α-actinin and titin turns out to be surprisingly weak if force is applied. Depending on the direction of force application, the unbinding forces can more than triple. Our results suggest a model where multiple α-actinin/Z-repeat interactions cooperate to ensure long-term stable titin anchoring while allowing the individual components to exchange dynamically.
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21
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Hanashima A, Hashimoto K, Ujihara Y, Honda T, Yobimoto T, Kodama A, Mohri S. Complete primary structure of the I-band region of connectin at which mechanical property is modulated in zebrafish heart and skeletal muscle. Gene 2017; 596:19-26. [PMID: 27725266 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Connectin, also called titin, is the largest protein with a critical function as a molecular spring during contraction and relaxation of striated muscle; its mutation leads to severe myopathy and cardiomyopathy. To uncover the cause of this pathogenesis, zebrafish have recently been used as disease models because they are easier to genetically modify than mice. Although the gene structures and putative primary structures of zebrafish connectin have been determined, the actual primary structures of zebrafish connectin in heart and skeletal muscles remain unclear because of its large size and the PCR amplification-associated difficulties. In this research, using RT-PCR amplification from zebrafish heart and skeletal muscles, we determined the complete primary structures of zebrafish connectin in the I-band region at which mechanical property is modulated by alternative splicing. Our results showed that the domain structures of zebrafish connectins were largely similar to those of human connectins; however, the splicing pathways in the middle-Ig segment and the PEVK segment were highly diverse in every isoform. We also found that a set of 10 Ig domains in the middle-Ig segment of zebrafish connectin had been triplicated in human connectin. Because these triplicate regions are expressed in human leg and diaphragm, our findings may provide insight into the establishment of walking with limbs and lung respiration during tetrapod evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Hanashima
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan.
| | - Ken Hashimoto
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ujihara
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
| | - Takeshi Honda
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yobimoto
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
| | - Aya Kodama
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mohri
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan
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22
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Gautel M, Djinović-Carugo K. The sarcomeric cytoskeleton: from molecules to motion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:135-45. [PMID: 26792323 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.124941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Highly ordered organisation of striated muscle is the prerequisite for the fast and unidirectional development of force and motion during heart and skeletal muscle contraction. A group of proteins, summarised as the sarcomeric cytoskeleton, is essential for the ordered assembly of actin and myosin filaments into sarcomeres, by combining architectural, mechanical and signalling functions. This review discusses recent cell biological, biophysical and structural insight into the regulated assembly of sarcomeric cytoskeleton proteins and their roles in dissipating mechanical forces in order to maintain sarcomere integrity during passive extension and active contraction. α-Actinin crosslinks in the Z-disk show a pivot-and-rod structure that anchors both titin and actin filaments. In contrast, the myosin crosslinks formed by myomesin in the M-band are of a ball-and-spring type and may be crucial in providing stable yet elastic connections during active contractions, especially eccentric exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Gautel
- King's College London BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Randall Division for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, and Cardiovascular Division, New Hunt's House, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kristina Djinović-Carugo
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, Vienna A-1030, Austria Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 5, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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23
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Sequeira V, van der Velden J. Historical perspective on heart function: the Frank-Starling Law. Biophys Rev 2015; 7:421-447. [PMID: 28510104 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-015-0184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
More than a century of research on the Frank-Starling Law has significantly advanced our knowledge about the working heart. The Frank-Starling Law mandates that the heart is able to match cardiac ejection to the dynamic changes occurring in ventricular filling and thereby regulates ventricular contraction and ejection. Significant efforts have been attempted to identify a common fundamental basis for the Frank-Starling heart and, although a unifying idea has still to come forth, there is mounting evidence of a direct relationship between length changes in individual constituents (cardiomyocytes) and their sensitivity to Ca2+ ions. As the Frank-Starling Law is a vital event for the healthy heart, it is of utmost importance to understand its mechanical basis in order to optimize and organize therapeutic strategies to rescue the failing human heart. The present review is a historic perspective on cardiac muscle function. We "revive" a century of scientific research on the heart's fundamental protein constituents (contractile proteins), to their assemblies in the muscle (the sarcomeres), culminating in a thorough overview of the several synergistically events that compose the Frank-Starling mechanism. It is the authors' personal beliefs that much can be gained by understanding the Frank-Starling relationship at the cellular and whole organ level, so that we can finally, in this century, tackle the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Sequeira
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ICIN- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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24
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Identification of a Novel Mutation in the Titin Gene in a Chinese Family with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2J. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5097-102. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Gallego M, Mora L, Aristoy MC, Toldrá F. Titin-derived peptides as processing time markers in dry-cured ham. Food Chem 2015; 167:326-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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26
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Ribeiro EDA, Pinotsis N, Ghisleni A, Salmazo A, Konarev PV, Kostan J, Sjöblom B, Schreiner C, Polyansky AA, Gkougkoulia EA, Holt MR, Aachmann FL, Zagrović B, Bordignon E, Pirker KF, Svergun DI, Gautel M, Djinović-Carugo K. The structure and regulation of human muscle α-actinin. Cell 2014; 159:1447-60. [PMID: 25433700 PMCID: PMC4259493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The spectrin superfamily of proteins plays key roles in assembling the actin cytoskeleton in various cell types, crosslinks actin filaments, and acts as scaffolds for the assembly of large protein complexes involved in structural integrity and mechanosensation, as well as cell signaling. α-actinins in particular are the major actin crosslinkers in muscle Z-disks, focal adhesions, and actin stress fibers. We report a complete high-resolution structure of the 200 kDa α-actinin-2 dimer from striated muscle and explore its functional implications on the biochemical and cellular level. The structure provides insight into the phosphoinositide-based mechanism controlling its interaction with sarcomeric proteins such as titin, lays a foundation for studying the impact of pathogenic mutations at molecular resolution, and is likely to be broadly relevant for the regulation of spectrin-like proteins. Structure of human α-actinin-2 in an autoinhibited closed conformation Facilitation of PIP2-induced allosteric modulation for opening and titin binding Essentiality of structural flexibility for crosslinking antiparallel F-actin Relevance for the intramolecular pseudoligand regulation mechanism of the spectrin family
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Affiliation(s)
- Euripedes de Almeida Ribeiro
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikos Pinotsis
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Ghisleni
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Randall Division for Cell and Molecular Biophysics and Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Anita Salmazo
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr V Konarev
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius Kostan
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Björn Sjöblom
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Schreiner
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton A Polyansky
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Eirini A Gkougkoulia
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mark R Holt
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Randall Division for Cell and Molecular Biophysics and Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Finn L Aachmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælands vei 6/8, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bojan Zagrović
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrica Bordignon
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina F Pirker
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dmitri I Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Gautel
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Randall Division for Cell and Molecular Biophysics and Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Kristina Djinović-Carugo
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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27
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Chauveau C, Rowell J, Ferreiro A. A rising titan: TTN review and mutation update. Hum Mutat 2014; 35:1046-59. [PMID: 24980681 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The 364 exon TTN gene encodes titin (TTN), the largest known protein, which plays key structural, developmental, mechanical, and regulatory roles in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Prior to next-generation sequencing (NGS), routine analysis of the whole TTN gene was impossible due to its giant size and complexity. Thus, only a few TTN mutations had been reported and the general incidence and spectrum of titinopathies was significantly underestimated. In the last months, due to the widespread use of NGS, TTN is emerging as a major gene in human-inherited disease. So far, 127 TTN disease-causing mutations have been reported in patients with at least 10 different conditions, including isolated cardiomyopathies, purely skeletal muscle phenotypes, or infantile diseases affecting both types of striated muscles. However, the identification of TTN variants in virtually every individual from control populations, as well as the multiplicity of TTN isoforms and reference sequences used, stress the difficulties in assessing the relevance, inheritance, and correlation with the phenotype of TTN sequence changes. In this review, we provide the first comprehensive update of the TTN mutations reported and discuss their distribution, molecular mechanisms, associated phenotypes, transmission pattern, and phenotype-genotype correlations, alongside with their implications for basic research and for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chauveau
- Inserm, U787 Myology Group, Institut de Myologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; UPMC, UMR787, Paris, France
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Macaluso F, Isaacs AW, Di Felice V, Myburgh KH. Acute change of titin at mid-sarcomere remains despite 8 wk of plyometric training. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:1512-9. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00420.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate skeletal muscle changes induced by an acute bout of plyometric exercise (PlyEx) both before and after PlyEx training, to understand if titin is affected differently after PlyEx training. Healthy untrained individuals ( N = 11) completed the 1stPlyEx (10 × 10 squat-jumps, 1-min rest). Thereafter, six subjects completed 8 wk of PlyEx, while five controls abstained from any jumping activity. Seven days after the last training session, all subjects completed the 2ndPlyEx. Blood samples were collected before and 6 h and 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after each acute bout of PlyEx, and muscle biopsies 4 days before and 3 days after each acute bout of PlyEx. The 1stPlyEx induced an increase in circulating myoglobin concentration. Muscle sample analysis revealed Z-disk streaming, a stretch or a fragmentation of titin (immunogold), and increased calpain-3 autolysis. After training, 2ndPlyEx did not induce Z-disk streaming or calpain-3 activation. The previously observed post-1stPlyEx positional change of the titin COOH terminus was still present pre-2ndPlyEx, in all trained and all control subjects. Only two controls presented with Z-disk streaming after 2ndPlyEx, while calpain-3 activation was absent in all controls. Eccentric explosive exercise induced a stretch or fragmentation of titin, which presented as a positional change of the COOH terminus. Calpain-3 activation does not occur when titin is already stretched before explosive jumping. Enzymatic digestion results in titin fragmentation, but since an increase in calpain-3 autolysis was visible only after the 1stPlyEx acute bout, fragmentation cannot explain the prolonged positional change.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Macaluso
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; and
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A. W. Isaacs
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; and
| | - V. Di Felice
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - K. H. Myburgh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; and
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Abstract
The giant protein titin forms a unique filament network in cardiomyocytes, which engages in both mechanical and signaling functions of the heart. TTN, which encodes titin, is also a major human disease gene. In this review, we cover the roles of cardiac titin in normal and failing hearts, with a special emphasis on the contribution of titin to diastolic stiffness. We provide an update on disease-associated titin mutations in cardiac and skeletal muscles and summarize what is known about the impact of protein-protein interactions on titin properties and functions. We discuss the importance of titin-isoform shifts and titin phosphorylation, as well as titin modifications related to oxidative stress, in adjusting the diastolic stiffness of the healthy and the failing heart. Along the way we distinguish among titin alterations in systolic and in diastolic heart failure and ponder the evidence for titin stiffness as a potential target for pharmacological intervention in heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Linke
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Kaushik G, Engler AJ. From stem cells to cardiomyocytes: the role of forces in cardiac maturation, aging, and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 126:219-42. [PMID: 25081620 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394624-9.00009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell differentiation into a variety of lineages is known to involve signaling from the extracellular niche, including from the physical properties of that environment. What regulates stem cell responses to these cues is there ability to activate different mechanotransductive pathways. Here, we will review the structures and pathways that regulate stem cell commitment to a cardiomyocyte lineage, specifically examining proteins within muscle sarcomeres, costameres, and intercalated discs. Proteins within these structures stretch, inducing a change in their phosphorylated state or in their localization to initiate different signals. We will also put these changes in the context of stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes, their subsequent formation of the chambered heart, and explore negative signaling that occurs during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kaushik
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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31
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Sequeira V, Nijenkamp LLAM, Regan JA, van der Velden J. The physiological role of cardiac cytoskeleton and its alterations in heart failure. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1838:700-22. [PMID: 23860255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac muscle cells are equipped with specialized biochemical machineries for the rapid generation of force and movement central to the work generated by the heart. During each heart beat cardiac muscle cells perceive and experience changes in length and load, which reflect one of the fundamental principles of physiology known as the Frank-Starling law of the heart. Cardiac muscle cells are unique mechanical stretch sensors that allow the heart to increase cardiac output, and adjust it to new physiological and pathological situations. In the present review we discuss the mechano-sensory role of the cytoskeletal proteins with respect to their tight interaction with the sarcolemma and extracellular matrix. The role of contractile thick and thin filament proteins, the elastic protein titin, and their anchorage at the Z-disc and M-band, with associated proteins are reviewed in physiologic and pathologic conditions leading to heart failure. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. Guest Editor: Jean Claude Hervé
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Sequeira
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louise L A M Nijenkamp
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica A Regan
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Physiology, Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICIN-Netherlands Heart Institute, The Netherlands.
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32
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Travers T, Shao H, Wells A, Camacho C. Modeling the assembly of the multiple domains of α-actinin-4 and its role in actin cross-linking. Biophys J 2013; 104:705-15. [PMID: 23442921 PMCID: PMC3566466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The assembly of proteins into multidomain complexes is critical for their function. In eukaryotic nonmuscle cells, regulation of the homodimeric actin cross-linking protein α-actinin-4 (ACTN4) during cell migration involves signaling receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. As a first step to address the latter, we validate here an atomic model for the ACTN4 end region, which corresponds to a ternary complex between the N-terminal actin-binding domain (ABD) and an adjacent helical neck region of one monomer, and the C-terminal calmodulin-like domain of the opposite antiparallel monomer. Mutagenesis experiments designed to disrupt this ternary complex confirm that its formation reduces binding to F-actin. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the phosphomimic mutation Y265E increases actin binding by breaking several interactions that tether the two calponin homology domains into a closed ABD conformation. Simulations also show a disorder-to-order transition in the double phosphomimic mutant Y4E/Y31E of the 45-residue ACTN4 N-terminal region, which can inhibit actin binding by latching both calponin homology domains more tightly. Collectively, these studies provide a starting point for understanding the role of external cues in regulating ACTN4, with different phenotypes resulting from changes in the multidomain assembly of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Travers
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hanshuang Shao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carlos J. Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Li S, Guo W, Dewey CN, Greaser ML. Rbm20 regulates titin alternative splicing as a splicing repressor. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:2659-72. [PMID: 23307558 PMCID: PMC3575840 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin, a sarcomeric protein expressed primarily in striated muscles, is responsible for maintaining the structure and biomechanical properties of muscle cells. Cardiac titin undergoes developmental size reduction from 3.7 megadaltons in neonates to primarily 2.97 megadaltons in the adult. This size reduction results from gradually increased exon skipping between exons 50 and 219 of titin mRNA. Our previous study reported that Rbm20 is the splicing factor responsible for this process. In this work, we investigated its molecular mechanism. We demonstrate that Rbm20 mediates exon skipping by binding to titin pre-mRNA to repress the splicing of some regions; the exons/introns in these Rbm20-repressed regions are ultimately skipped. Rbm20 was also found to mediate intron retention and exon shuffling. The two Rbm20 speckles found in nuclei from muscle tissues were identified as aggregates of Rbm20 protein on the partially processed titin pre-mRNAs. Cooperative repression and alternative 3' splice site selection were found to be used by Rbm20 to skip different subsets of titin exons, and the splicing pathway selected depended on the ratio of Rbm20 to other splicing factors that vary with tissue type and developmental age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Li
- Muscle Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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34
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Li S, Guo W, Schmitt BM, Greaser ML. Comprehensive analysis of titin protein isoform and alternative splicing in normal and mutant rats. J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:1265-73. [PMID: 22105831 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Titin is a giant protein with multiple functions in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Rat cardiac titin undergoes developmental isoform transition from the neonatal 3.7 MDa N2BA isoform to primarily the adult 2.97 MDa N2B isoform. An autosomal dominant mutation dramatically altered this transformation. Titins from eight skeletal muscles: Tibialis Anterior (TA), Longissimus Dorsi (LD) and Gastrocnemius (GA), Extensor Digitorum Longus (ED), Soleus (SO), Psoas (PS), Extensor Oblique (EO), and Diaphram (DI) were characterized in wild type and in homozygous mutant (Hm) rats with a titin splicing defect. Results showed that the developmental reduction in titin size is eliminated in the mutant rat so that the titins in all investigated skeletal muscles remain large in the adult. The alternative splicing of titin mRNA was found repressed by this mutation, a result consistent with the large titin isoform in the mutant. The developmental pattern of titin mRNA alternative splicing differs between heart and skeletal muscles. The retention of intron 49 reveals a possible mechanism for the absence of the N2B unique region in the expressed titin protein of skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Li
- Muscle Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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35
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Titin-based tension in the cardiac sarcomere: molecular origin and physiological adaptations. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 110:204-17. [PMID: 22910434 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The passive stiffness of cardiac muscle plays a critical role in ventricular filling during diastole and is determined by the extracellular matrix and the sarcomeric protein titin. Titin spans from the Z-disk to the M-band of the sarcomere and also contains a large extensible region that acts as a molecular spring and develops passive force during sarcomere stretch. This extensible segment is titin's I-band region, and its force-generating mechanical properties determine titin-based passive tension. The properties of titin's I-band region can be modulated by isoform splicing and post-translational modification and are intimately linked to diastolic function. This review discusses the physical origin of titin-based passive tension, the mechanisms that alter titin stiffness, and titin's role in stress-sensing signaling pathways.
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36
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Conover GM, Gregorio CC. The desmin coil 1B mutation K190A impairs nebulin Z-disc assembly and destabilizes actin thin filaments. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:3464-76. [PMID: 21984811 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.087080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmin intermediate filaments intimately surround myofibrils in vertebrate muscle forming a mesh-like filament network. Desmin attaches to sarcomeres through its high-affinity association with nebulin, a giant F-actin binding protein that co-extends along the length of actin thin filaments. Here, we further investigated the functional significance of the association of desmin and nebulin in cultured primary myocytes to address the hypothesis that this association is key in integrating myofibrils to the intermediate filament network. Surprisingly, we identified eight peptides along the length of desmin that are capable of binding to C-terminal modules 160-170 in nebulin. In this study, we identified a targeted mutation (K190A) in the desmin coil 1B region that results in its reduced binding with the nebulin C-terminal modules. Using immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative analysis, we demonstrate that expression of the mutant desmin K190A in primary myocytes results in a significant reduction in assembled endogenous nebulin and desmin at the Z-disc. Non-uniform actin filaments were markedly prevalent in myocytes expressing GFP-tagged desmin K190A, suggesting that the near-crystalline organization of actin filaments in striated muscle depends on a stable interaction between desmin and nebulin. All together, these data are consistent with a model in which Z-disc-associated nebulin interacts with desmin through multiple sites to provide efficient stability to satisfy the dynamic contractile activity of myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Conover
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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37
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Voelkel T, Linke WA. Conformation-regulated mechanosensory control via titin domains in cardiac muscle. Pflugers Arch 2011; 462:143-54. [PMID: 21347754 PMCID: PMC3114084 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-0938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The giant filamentous protein titin is ideally positioned in the muscle sarcomere to sense mechanical stimuli and transform them into biochemical signals, such as those triggering cardiac hypertrophy. In this review, we ponder the evidence for signaling hotspots along the titin filament involved in mechanosensory control mechanisms. On the way, we distinguish between stress and strain as triggers of mechanical signaling events at the cardiac sarcomere. Whereas the Z-disk and M-band regions of titin may be prominently involved in sensing mechanical stress, signaling hotspots within the elastic I-band titin segment may respond primarily to mechanical strain. Common to both stress and strain sensor elements is their regulation by conformational changes in protein domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Voelkel
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, MA 3/56, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A. Linke
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, MA 3/56, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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38
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da Silva Lopes K, Pietas A, Radke MH, Gotthardt M. Titin visualization in real time reveals an unexpected level of mobility within and between sarcomeres. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 193:785-98. [PMID: 21555460 PMCID: PMC3166869 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Contrary to prior models in which titin serves as a stable scaffold in sarcomeres, sarcomeric and soluble titin exchange dynamically in myofibers when calcium levels are low. The giant muscle protein titin is an essential structural component of the sarcomere. It forms a continuous periodic backbone along the myofiber that provides resistance to mechanical strain. Thus, the titin filament has been regarded as a blueprint for sarcomere assembly and a prerequisite for stability. Here, a novel titin-eGFP knockin mouse provided evidence that sarcomeric titin is more dynamic than previously suggested. To study the mobility of titin in embryonic and neonatal cardiomyocytes, we used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and investigated the contribution of protein synthesis, contractility, and calcium load to titin motility. Overall, the kinetics of lateral and longitudinal movement of titin-eGFP were similar. Whereas protein synthesis and developmental stage did not alter titin dynamics, there was a strong, inhibitory effect of calcium on titin mobility. Our results suggest a model in which the largely unrestricted movement of titin within and between sarcomeres primarily depends on calcium, suggesting that fortification of the titin filament system is activity dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina da Silva Lopes
- Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), D-13122 Berlin-Buch, Germany
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39
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Seto JT, Lek M, Quinlan KGR, Houweling PJ, Zheng XF, Garton F, MacArthur DG, Raftery JM, Garvey SM, Hauser MA, Yang N, Head SI, North KN. Deficiency of α-actinin-3 is associated with increased susceptibility to contraction-induced damage and skeletal muscle remodeling. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:2914-27. [PMID: 21536590 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomeric α-actinins (α-actinin-2 and -3) are a major component of the Z-disk in skeletal muscle, where they crosslink actin and other structural proteins to maintain an ordered myofibrillar array. Homozygosity for the common null polymorphism (R577X) in ACTN3 results in the absence of fast fiber-specific α-actinin-3 in ∼20% of the general population. α-Actinin-3 deficiency is associated with decreased force generation and is detrimental to sprint and power performance in elite athletes, suggesting that α-actinin-3 is necessary for optimal forceful repetitive muscle contractions. Since Z-disks are the structures most vulnerable to eccentric damage, we sought to examine the effects of α-actinin-3 deficiency on sarcomeric integrity. Actn3 knockout mouse muscle showed significantly increased force deficits following eccentric contraction at 30% stretch, suggesting that α-actinin-3 deficiency results in an increased susceptibility to muscle damage at the extremes of muscle performance. Microarray analyses demonstrated an increase in muscle remodeling genes, which we confirmed at the protein level. The loss of α-actinin-3 and up-regulation of α-actinin-2 resulted in no significant changes to the total pool of sarcomeric α-actinins, suggesting that alterations in fast fiber Z-disk properties may be related to differences in functional protein interactions between α-actinin-2 and α-actinin-3. In support of this, we demonstrated that the Z-disk proteins, ZASP, titin and vinculin preferentially bind to α-actinin-2. Thus, the loss of α-actinin-3 changes the overall protein composition of fast fiber Z-disks and alters their elastic properties, providing a mechanistic explanation for the loss of force generation and increased susceptibility to eccentric damage in α-actinin-3-deficient individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane T Seto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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40
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Krüger M, Linke WA. The giant protein titin: a regulatory node that integrates myocyte signaling pathways. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:9905-12. [PMID: 21257761 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r110.173260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin, the largest protein in the human body, is well known as a molecular spring in muscle cells and scaffold protein aiding myofibrillar assembly. However, recent evidence has established another important role for titin: that of a regulatory node integrating, and perhaps coordinating, diverse signaling pathways, particularly in cardiomyocytes. We review key findings within this emerging field, including those related to phosphorylation of the titin springs, and also discuss how titin participates in hypertrophic gene regulation and protein quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Krüger
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
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41
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Othman OE, Zayed FA, El Gawead AA, El-Rahman MR. Genetic polymorphism of two genes associated with carcass trait in Egyptian buffaloes. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M LeWinter
- Cardiology Unit, Fletcher Allen Health Care, 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
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43
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Dynamic strength of titin's Z-disk end. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:838530. [PMID: 20414364 PMCID: PMC2857871 DOI: 10.1155/2010/838530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin is a giant filamentous protein traversing the half sarcomere of striated muscle with putative functions as diverse as providing structural template, generating elastic response, and sensing and relaying mechanical information. The Z-disk region of titin, which corresponds to the N-terminal end of the molecule, has been thought to be a hot spot for mechanosensing while also serving as anchorage for its sarcomeric attachment. Understanding the mechanics of titin's Z-disk region, particularly under the effect of binding proteins, is of great interest. Here we briefly review recent findings on the structure, molecular associations, and mechanics of titin's Z-disk region. In addition, we report experimental results on the dynamic strength of titin's Z1Z2 domains measured by nanomechanical manipulation of the chemical dimer of a recombinant protein fragment.
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44
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Quinlan KG, Seto JT, Turner N, Vandebrouck A, Floetenmeyer M, Macarthur DG, Raftery JM, Lek M, Yang N, Parton RG, Cooney GJ, North KN. α-Actinin-3 deficiency results in reduced glycogen phosphorylase activity and altered calcium handling in skeletal muscle. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:1335-46. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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45
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Jiao Y, Zan L, Liu Y, Wang H, Guo B. A novel polymorphism of the MYPN gene and its association with meat quality traits in Bos taurus. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2010; 9:1751-8. [DOI: 10.4238/vol9-3gmr906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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46
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Luther PK. The vertebrate muscle Z-disc: sarcomere anchor for structure and signalling. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2009; 30:171-85. [PMID: 19830582 PMCID: PMC2799012 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-009-9189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Z-disc, appearing as a fine dense line forming sarcomere boundaries in striated muscles, when studied in detail reveals crosslinked filament arrays that transmit tension and house myriads of proteins with diverse functions. At the Z-disc the barbed ends of the antiparallel actin filaments from adjoining sarcomeres interdigitate and are crosslinked primarily by layers of α-actinin. The Z-disc is therefore the site of polarity reversal of the actin filaments, as needed to interact with the bipolar myosin filaments in successive sarcomeres. The layers of α-actinin determine the Z-disc width: fast fibres have narrow (~30–50 nm) Z-discs and slow and cardiac fibres have wide (~100 nm) Z-discs. Comprehensive reviews on the roles of the numerous proteins located at the Z-disc in signalling and disease have been published; the aim here is different, namely to review the advances in structural aspects of the Z-disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep K Luther
- Molecular Medicine Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos A, Ackermann MA, Bowman AL, Yap SV, Bloch RJ. Muscle giants: molecular scaffolds in sarcomerogenesis. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:1217-67. [PMID: 19789381 PMCID: PMC3076733 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibrillogenesis in striated muscles is a highly complex process that depends on the coordinated assembly and integration of a large number of contractile, cytoskeletal, and signaling proteins into regular arrays, the sarcomeres. It is also associated with the stereotypical assembly of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the transverse tubules around each sarcomere. Three giant, muscle-specific proteins, titin (3-4 MDa), nebulin (600-800 kDa), and obscurin (approximately 720-900 kDa), have been proposed to play important roles in the assembly and stabilization of sarcomeres. There is a large amount of data showing that each of these molecules interacts with several to many different protein ligands, regulating their activity and localizing them to particular sites within or surrounding sarcomeres. Consistent with this, mutations in each of these proteins have been linked to skeletal and cardiac myopathies or to muscular dystrophies. The evidence that any of them plays a role as a "molecular template," "molecular blueprint," or "molecular ruler" is less definitive, however. Here we review the structure and function of titin, nebulin, and obscurin, with the literature supporting a role for them as scaffolding molecules and the contradictory evidence regarding their roles as molecular guides in sarcomerogenesis.
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Jani K, Schöck F. Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensing in muscle development. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1526-34. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Han HF, Beckerle MC. The ALP-Enigma protein ALP-1 functions in actin filament organization to promote muscle structural integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 20:2361-70. [PMID: 19261811 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-06-0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations that affect the Z-disk-associated ALP-Enigma proteins have been linked to human muscular and cardiac diseases. Despite their clear physiological significance for human health, the mechanism of action of ALP-Enigma proteins is largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the ALP-Enigma protein family is encoded by a single gene, alp-1; thus C. elegans provides an excellent model to study ALP-Enigma function. Here we present a molecular and genetic analysis of ALP-Enigma function in C. elegans. We show that ALP-1 and alpha-actinin colocalize at dense bodies where actin filaments are anchored and that the proper localization of ALP-1 at dense bodies is dependent on alpha-actinin. Our analysis of alp-1 mutants demonstrates that ALP-1 functions to maintain actin filament organization and participates in muscle stabilization during contraction. Reducing alpha-actinin activity enhances the actin filament phenotype of the alp-1 mutants, suggesting that ALP-1 and alpha-actinin function in the same cellular process. Like alpha-actinin, alp-1 also interacts genetically with a connectin/titin family member, ketn-1, to provide mechanical stability for supporting body wall muscle contraction. Taken together, our data demonstrate that ALP-1 and alpha-actinin function together to stabilize actin filaments and promote muscle structural integrity.
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Zhang ZQ, Bish LT, Holtzer H, Sweeney HL. Sarcomeric-alpha-actinin defective in vinculin-binding causes Z-line expansion and nemaline-like body formation in cultured chick myotubes. Exp Cell Res 2009; 315:748-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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