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Zhu M, Jun S, Nie X, Chen J, Hao Y, Yu H, Zhang X, Sun L, Liu Y, Yuan X, Yuan F, Wang S. Mapping of afferent and efferent connections of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14808. [PMID: 38887205 PMCID: PMC11183208 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14808] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) contribute to the regulation of autonomic functions. However, the neural circuits linking these neurons to other brain regions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the connectivity mechanisms of the PNMT-expressing neurons in the NTS (NTSPNMT neurons). METHODS The methodologies employed in this study included a modified rabies virus-based retrograde neural tracing technique, conventional viral anterograde tracing, and immunohistochemical staining procedures. RESULTS A total of 43 upstream nuclei projecting to NTSPNMT neurons were identified, spanning several key brain regions including the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Notably, dense projections to the NTSPNMT neurons were observed from the central amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, area postrema, and the gigantocellular reticular nucleus. In contrast, the ventrolateral medulla, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and lateral hypothalamic area were identified as the primary destinations for axon terminals originating from NTSPNMT neurons. Additionally, reciprocal projections were evident among 21 nuclei, primarily situated within the medulla oblongata. CONCLUSION Our research findings demonstrate that NTSPNMT neurons form extensive connections with numerous nuclei, emphasizing their essential role in the homeostatic regulation of vital autonomic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchu Zhu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosticsHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Shirui Jun
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiaojun Nie
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Jinting Chen
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yinchao Hao
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Hongxiao Yu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yuelin Liu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiangshan Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of NeurologyJinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of NeurophysiologyShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of NeurophysiologyShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
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2
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Habecker BA, Bers DM, Birren SJ, Chang R, Herring N, Kay MW, Li D, Mendelowitz D, Mongillo M, Montgomery JM, Ripplinger CM, Tampakakis E, Winbo A, Zaglia T, Zeltner N, Paterson DJ. Molecular and cellular neurocardiology in heart disease. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38778747 DOI: 10.1113/jp284739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper updates and builds on a previous White Paper in this journal that some of us contributed to concerning the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac neurobiology of heart disease. Here we focus on recent findings that underpin cardiac autonomic development, novel intracellular pathways and neuroplasticity. Throughout we highlight unanswered questions and areas of controversy. Whilst some neurochemical pathways are already demonstrating prognostic viability in patients with heart failure, we also discuss the opportunity to better understand sympathetic impairment by using patient specific stem cells that provides pathophysiological contextualization to study 'disease in a dish'. Novel imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics are also facilitating a road map for target discovery of molecular pathways that may form a therapeutic opportunity to treat cardiac dysautonomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Habecker
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Susan J Birren
- Department of Biology, Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Neil Herring
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Paterson
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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3
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Lei M, Salvage SC, Jackson AP, Huang CLH. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis: roles of ion channels and their functional modification. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342761. [PMID: 38505707 PMCID: PMC10949183 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342761] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias cause significant morbidity and mortality and pose a major public health problem. They arise from disruptions in the normally orderly propagation of cardiac electrophysiological activation and recovery through successive cardiomyocytes in the heart. They reflect abnormalities in automaticity, initiation, conduction, or recovery in cardiomyocyte excitation. The latter properties are dependent on surface membrane electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the cardiac action potential. Their disruption results from spatial or temporal instabilities and heterogeneities in the generation and propagation of cellular excitation. These arise from abnormal function in their underlying surface membrane, ion channels, and transporters, as well as the interactions between them. The latter, in turn, form common regulatory targets for the hierarchical network of diverse signaling mechanisms reviewed here. In addition to direct molecular-level pharmacological or physiological actions on these surface membrane biomolecules, accessory, adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal anchoring proteins modify both their properties and localization. At the cellular level of excitation-contraction coupling processes, Ca2+ homeostatic and phosphorylation processes affect channel activity and membrane excitability directly or through intermediate signaling. Systems-level autonomic cellular signaling exerts both acute channel and longer-term actions on channel expression. Further upstream intermediaries from metabolic changes modulate the channels both themselves and through modifying Ca2+ homeostasis. Finally, longer-term organ-level inflammatory and structural changes, such as fibrotic and hypertrophic remodeling, similarly can influence all these physiological processes with potential pro-arrhythmic consequences. These normal physiological processes may target either individual or groups of ionic channel species and alter with particular pathological conditions. They are also potentially alterable by direct pharmacological action, or effects on longer-term targets modifying protein or cofactor structure, expression, or localization. Their participating specific biomolecules, often clarified in experimental genetically modified models, thus constitute potential therapeutic targets. The insights clarified by the physiological and pharmacological framework outlined here provide a basis for a recent modernized drug classification. Together, they offer a translational framework for current drug understanding. This would facilitate future mechanistically directed therapeutic advances, for which a number of examples are considered here. The latter are potentially useful for treating cardiac, in particular arrhythmic, disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C. Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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4
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Baines O, Sha R, Kalla M, Holmes AP, Efimov IR, Pavlovic D, O’Shea C. Optical mapping and optogenetics in cardiac electrophysiology research and therapy: a state-of-the-art review. Europace 2024; 26:euae017. [PMID: 38227822 PMCID: PMC10847904 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae017] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
State-of-the-art innovations in optical cardiac electrophysiology are significantly enhancing cardiac research. A potential leap into patient care is now on the horizon. Optical mapping, using fluorescent probes and high-speed cameras, offers detailed insights into cardiac activity and arrhythmias by analysing electrical signals, calcium dynamics, and metabolism. Optogenetics utilizes light-sensitive ion channels and pumps to realize contactless, cell-selective cardiac actuation for modelling arrhythmia, restoring sinus rhythm, and probing complex cell-cell interactions. The merging of optogenetics and optical mapping techniques for 'all-optical' electrophysiology marks a significant step forward. This combination allows for the contactless actuation and sensing of cardiac electrophysiology, offering unprecedented spatial-temporal resolution and control. Recent studies have performed all-optical imaging ex vivo and achieved reliable optogenetic pacing in vivo, narrowing the gap for clinical use. Progress in optical electrophysiology continues at pace. Advances in motion tracking methods are removing the necessity of motion uncoupling, a key limitation of optical mapping. Innovations in optoelectronics, including miniaturized, biocompatible illumination and circuitry, are enabling the creation of implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators with optoelectrical closed-loop systems. Computational modelling and machine learning are emerging as pivotal tools in enhancing optical techniques, offering new avenues for analysing complex data and optimizing therapeutic strategies. However, key challenges remain including opsin delivery, real-time data processing, longevity, and chronic effects of optoelectronic devices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in optical mapping and optogenetics and outlines the promising future of optics in reshaping cardiac electrophysiology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Baines
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rina Sha
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Manish Kalla
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew P Holmes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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5
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Sun T, Grassam-Rowe A, Pu Z, Li Y, Ren H, An Y, Guo X, Hu W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, Liu Z, Kou K, Ou X, Chen T, Fan X, Liu Y, Tu S, He Y, Ren Y, Chen A, Shang Z, Xia Z, Miquerol L, Smart N, Zhang H, Tan X, Shou W, Lei M. Dbh + catecholaminergic cardiomyocytes contribute to the structure and function of the cardiac conduction system in murine heart. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7801. [PMID: 38016975 PMCID: PMC10684617 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42658-9] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of functional cardiomyocytes arises during heart development, which is essential to the complex and highly coordinated cardiac physiological function. Yet the biological and physiological identities and the origin of the specialized cardiomyocyte populations have not been fully comprehended. Here we report a previously unrecognised population of cardiomyocytes expressing Dbhgene encoding dopamine beta-hydroxylase in murine heart. We determined how these myocytes are distributed across the heart by utilising advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses, genetic fate mapping and molecular imaging with computational reconstruction. We demonstrated that they form the key functional components of the cardiac conduction system by using optogenetic electrophysiology and conditional cardiomyocyte Dbh gene deletion models. We revealed their close relationship with sympathetic innervation during cardiac conduction system formation. Our study thus provides new insights into the development and heterogeneity of the mammalian cardiac conduction system by revealing a new cardiomyocyte population with potential catecholaminergic endocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | | | - Zhaoli Pu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Huiying Ren
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yanru An
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- BGI Research, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ying Liu
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Yuqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Kun Kou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xianhong Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Tangting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xuehui Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Shu Tu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Yu He
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Yue Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Ao Chen
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | | | - Zhidao Xia
- Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lucile Miquerol
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille UMR 7288, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Nicola Smart
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Oxford, University of, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
| | - Weinian Shou
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
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6
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Jun S, Ou X, Shi L, Yu H, Deng T, Chen J, Nie X, Hao Y, Shi Y, Liu W, Tian Y, Wang S, Yuan F. Circuit-Specific Control of Blood Pressure by PNMT-Expressing Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Neurons. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1193-1209. [PMID: 36588135 PMCID: PMC10387028 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-01008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is one of the morphologically and functionally defined centers that engage in the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular activity. Phenotypically-characterized NTS neurons have been implicated in the differential regulation of blood pressure (BP). Here, we investigated whether phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-expressing NTS (NTSPNMT) neurons contribute to the control of BP. We demonstrate that photostimulation of NTSPNMT neurons has variable effects on BP. A depressor response was produced during optogenetic stimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and caudal ventrolateral medulla. Conversely, photostimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla produced a robust pressor response and bradycardia. In addition, genetic ablation of both NTSPNMT neurons and those projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla impaired the arterial baroreflex. Overall, we revealed the neuronal phenotype- and circuit-specific mechanisms underlying the contribution of NTSPNMT neurons to the regulation of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Jun
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xianhong Ou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Luo Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Hongxiao Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Tianjiao Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jinting Chen
- Core Facilities and Centers, Institute of Medicine and Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xiaojun Nie
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yinchao Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yishuo Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yanming Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
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7
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Bruegmann T, Smith GL, Lehnart SE. Editorial: Cardiac optogenetics: Using light to observe and excite the heart. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1031062. [PMID: 36304575 PMCID: PMC9593031 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1031062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells“ (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tobias Bruegmann,
| | - Godfrey L. Smith
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan E. Lehnart
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells“ (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Pulmonology, Heart Research Center Göttingen, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center SFB1190 “Compartmental Gates and Contact Sites in Cells“, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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8
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Caged-carvedilol as a new tool for visible-light photopharmacology of β-adrenoceptors in native tissues. iScience 2022; 25:105128. [PMID: 36185381 PMCID: PMC9515591 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenoceptors are G protein-coupled receptors involved in a large variety of physiological processes, also under pathological conditions. This is due in large part to their ubiquitous expression in the body exerting numerous essential functions. Therefore, the possibility to control their activity with high spatial and temporal precision would constitute a valuable research tool. In this study, we present a caged version of the approved non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist carvedilol, synthesized by alkylation of its secondary amine with a coumarin derivative. Introducing this photo-removable group abolished carvedilol physiological effects in cell cultures, mouse isolated perfused hearts and living zebrafish larvae. Only after visible light application, carvedilol was released and the different physiological systems were pharmacologically modulated in a similar manner as the control drug. This research provides a new photopharmacological tool for a wide range of research applications that may help in the development of future precise therapies. We report a diffusible caged antagonist based on the beta blocker carvedilol (C-C) Carvedilol release from C-C is produced by light on the visible range (405 nm) Light-dependent effects are assessed in cells, mice hearts, and zebrafish larvae Physiological processes can be regulated by C-C and light (heart rate and behavior)
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9
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Pyari G, Bansal H, Roy S. Ultra-low power deep sustained optogenetic excitation of human ventricular cardiomyocytes with red-shifted opsins: A computational study. J Physiol 2022; 600:4653-4676. [PMID: 36068951 DOI: 10.1113/jp283366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Formulation of accurate theoretical models of optogenetic control of HVCMs expressed with newly-discovered opsins (ChRmine, bReaChES, and CsChrimson). Under continuous illumination, action potentials in each opsin-expressing HVCMs can only be evoked in a certain range of irradiances. Action potentials in ChRmine-expressing HVCMs can be triggered at ultra-low power (6 μW/mm2 at 10 ms pulse or 0.7 μW/mm2 at 100 ms pulse at 585 nm), which is 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than reported results. Ongoing APs in ChRmine-expressing HVCMs can be suppressed by continuous illumination of 585 nm light at 2 μW/mm2 . ChRmine enables sustained excitation due to its faster recovery from the desensitized state. Optogenetic excitation of deeply situated cardiac cells is possible upto ∼ 7.46 mm and 10.2 mm with ChRmine on illuminating the outer surface of pericardium at safe irradiance at 585 nm and 650 nm, respectively. The study opens up prospects for designing energy-efficient light-induced pacemakers, resynchronization, and termination of ventricular tachycardia. ABSTRACT The main challenge in cardiac optogenetics is to have low-power, high-fidelity, and deep excitation of cells with minimal invasiveness and heating. We present a detailed computational study of optogenetic excitation of human ventricular cardiomyocytes (HVCMs) with new ChRmine, bReaChES and CsChrimson red-shifted opsins to overcome the challenge. Action potentials (APs) in ChRmine expressing HVCMs can be triggered at 6 μW/mm2 (10 ms pulse) and 0.7 μW/mm2 (100 ms pulse) at 585 nm which are two orders of magnitude lower than ChR2(H134R). This enables safe sustained excitation of deeply situated cardiac cells with ChRmine (7.46 mm) and with bReaChES (6.21 mm) with the light source at the pericardium surface. Deeper excitation upto 10.2 mm can be achieved with ChRmine by illuminating at 650 nm. Photostimulation conditions for minimum charge transfer during AP have been determined, which are important for tissue health under sustained excitation. The action potential duration for all the opsins is constant upto 100 ms pulse-width but increases thereafter. Interestingly, the AP frequency increases with irradiance under continuous illumination, which gets suppressed at higher irradiances. Optimal range of irradiance for each opsin to excite HVCMs has been determined. Under optimal photostimulation conditions, each opsin can precisely excite APs up to 2.5 Hz, while latency and power of light pulse for each AP in a sequence remain most stable and an order lower respectively, in ChRmine-expressing HVCMs. The study highlights the importance of ChRmine and bReaChES for resynchronization, termination of ventricular tachycardia, and designing optogenetic cardiac pacemakers with enhanced battery life. Abstract figure legend Deep optogenetic excitation of opsin-expressing cardiomyocytes by placing the light source (maximum output 5.5 mW/mm2 ) at the outer surface of the pericardium. Excitation of cardiomyocytes upto 10.2 mm (at 650 nm) and 7.46 mm (at 585 nm) is possible with ChRmine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gur Pyari
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, INDIA
| | - Himanshu Bansal
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, INDIA
| | - Sukhdev Roy
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, INDIA
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10
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Ren H, Pu Z, Sun T, Chen T, Liu L, Liu Z, O’Shea C, Pavlovic D, Tan X, Lei M. High-Resolution 3D Heart Models of Cardiomyocyte Subpopulations in Cleared Murine Heart. Front Physiol 2022; 13:779514. [PMID: 35665220 PMCID: PMC9158482 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.779514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological tissues are naturally three-dimensional (3D) opaque structures, which poses a major challenge for the deep imaging of spatial distribution and localization of specific cell types in organs in biomedical research. Here we present a 3D heart imaging reconstruction approach by combining an improved heart tissue-clearing technique with high-resolution light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). We have conducted a three-dimensional and multi-scale volumetric imaging of the ultra-thin planes of murine hearts for up to 2,000 images per heart in x-, y-, and z three directions. High-resolution 3D volume heart models were constructed in real-time by the Zeiss Zen program. By using such an approach, we investigated detailed three-dimensional spatial distributions of two specific cardiomyocyte populations including HCN4 expressing pacemaker cells and Pnmt+ cell-derived cardiomyocytes by using reporter mouse lines Hcn4DreER/tdTomato and PnmtCre/ChR2-tdTomato. HCN4 is distributed throughout right atrial nodal regions (i.e., sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes) and the superior-inferior vena cava axis, while Pnmt+ cell-derived cardiomyocytes show distinct ventral, left heart, and dorsal side distribution pattern. Our further electrophysiological analysis indicates that Pnmt + cell-derived cardiomyocytes rich left ventricular (LV) base is more susceptible to ventricular arrhythmia under adrenergic stress than left ventricular apex or right ventricle regions. Thus, our 3D heart imaging reconstruction approach provides a new solution for studying the geometrical, topological, and physiological characteristics of specific cell types in organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Ren
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhaoli Pu
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tangting Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
| | - Leiying Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
| | - Christopher O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Rieger M, Dellenbach C, Vom Berg J, Beil-Wagner J, Maguy A, Rohr S. Enabling comprehensive optogenetic studies of mouse hearts by simultaneous opto-electrical panoramic mapping and stimulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5804. [PMID: 34608155 PMCID: PMC8490461 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, cardiac optogenetics has turned into an essential tool for investigating cardiac function in general and for assessing functional interactions between different myocardial cell types in particular. To advance exploitation of the unique research opportunities offered by this method, we develop a panoramic opto-electrical measurement and stimulation (POEMS) system for mouse hearts. The core of the experimental platform is composed of 294 optical fibers and 64 electrodes that form a cup which embraces the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts and enables straightforward ‘drop&go’ experimentation. The flexible assignment of fibers and electrodes to recording or stimulation tasks permits a precise tailoring of experiments to the specific requirements of individual optogenetic constructs thereby avoiding spectral congestion. Validation experiments with hearts from transgenic animals expressing the optogenetic voltage reporters ASAP1 and ArcLight-Q239 demonstrate concordance of simultaneously recorded panoramic optical and electrical activation maps. The feasibility of single fiber optical stimulation is proven with hearts expressing the optogenetic voltage actuator ReaChR. Adaptation of the POEMS system to larger hearts and incorporation of additional sensors can be achieved by redesigning the system-core accordingly. Current cardiac mapping systems provide either electrical or optical readouts. Here the authors report a panoramic opto-electrical measurement and stimulation (POEMS) system which embraces the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing flexible combinations of optical and electrical recording and stimulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rieger
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Johannes Vom Berg
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Jane Beil-Wagner
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ange Maguy
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Rohr
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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Abstract
Conduction disorders and arrhythmias remain difficult to treat and are increasingly prevalent owing to the increasing age and body mass of the general population, because both are risk factors for arrhythmia. Many of the underlying conditions that give rise to arrhythmia - including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia, which frequently occur in patients with acute myocardial ischaemia or heart failure - can have an inflammatory component. In the past, inflammation was viewed mostly as an epiphenomenon associated with arrhythmia; however, the recently discovered inflammatory and non-canonical functions of cardiac immune cells indicate that leukocytes can be arrhythmogenic either by altering tissue composition or by interacting with cardiomyocytes; for example, by changing their phenotype or perhaps even by directly interfering with conduction. In this Review, we discuss the electrophysiological properties of leukocytes and how these cells relate to conduction in the heart. Given the thematic parallels, we also summarize the interactions between immune cells and neural systems that influence information transfer, extrapolating findings from the field of neuroscience to the heart and defining common themes. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap between electrophysiology and immunology, to promote conceptual connections between these two fields and to explore promising opportunities for future research.
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13
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Observing and Manipulating Cell-Specific Cardiac Function with Light. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33398827 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The heart is a complex multicellular organ comprising both cardiomyocytes (CM), which make up the majority of the cardiac volume, and non-myocytes (NM), which represent the majority of cardiac cells. CM drive the pumping action of the heart, triggered via rhythmic electrical activity. NM, on the other hand, have many essential functions including generating extracellular matrix, regulating CM activity, and aiding in repair following injury. NM include neurons and interstitial, immune, and endothelial cells. Understanding the role of specific cell types and their interactions with one another may be key to developing new therapies with minimal side effects to treat cardiac disease. However, assessing cell-type-specific behavior in situ using standard techniques is challenging. Optogenetics enables population-specific observation and control, facilitating studies into the role of specific cell types and subtypes. Optogenetic models targeting the most important cardiac cell types have been generated and used to investigate non-canonical roles of those cell populations, e.g., to better understand how cardiac pacing occurs and to assess potential translational possibilities of optogenetics. So far, cardiac optogenetic studies have primarily focused on validating models and tools in the healthy heart. The field is now in a position where animal models and tools should be utilized to improve our understanding of the complex heterocellular nature of the heart, how this changes in disease, and from there to enable the development of cell-specific therapies and improved treatments.
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14
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Moreno A, Kowalik G, Mendelowitz D, Kay MW. Optogenetic Control of Cardiac Autonomic Neurons in Transgenic Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:309-321. [PMID: 32865752 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic technology has enabled unparalleled insights into cellular and organ physiology by providing exquisite temporal and spatial control of biological pathways. Here, an optogenetic approach is presented for selective activation of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system in excised perfused mouse hearts. The breeding of transgenic mice that have selective expression of channelrhodopsin in either catecholaminergic or cholinergic neurons is described. An approach for perfusing hearts excised from those animals, recording the ECG to measure heart rate changes, and an illumination technique using a custom micro-LED light source to activate channelrhodopsin is explained. We have used these methods in ongoing studies of the kinetics of autonomic control of cardiac electrophysiology and contractility, demonstrating the proven utility of optogenetic technology to enable unparalleled spatiotemporal anatomic-functional probing of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Grant Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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15
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Fernández MC, Kopton RA, Simon-Chica A, Madl J, Hilgendorf I, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Schneider-Warme F. Channelrhodopsins for Cell-Type Specific Illumination of Cardiac Electrophysiology. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:287-307. [PMID: 32865751 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic approaches have evolved as potent means to investigate cardiac electrophysiology, with research ranging from the study of arrhythmia mechanisms to effects of cardiac innervation and heterocellular structural and functional interactions, both in healthy and diseased myocardium. Most commonly, these studies use channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-expressing murine models that enable light-activated depolarization of the target cell population. However, each newly generated mouse line requires thorough characterization, as cell-type specific ChR2 expression cannot be taken for granted, and the electrophysiological response of its activation in the target cell should be evaluated. In this chapter, we describe detailed protocols for assessing ChR2 specificity using immunohistochemistry, isolation of specific cell populations to analyze electrophysiological effects of ChR2 activation with the patch-clamp technique, and whole-heart experiments to assess in situ effects of optical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marbely C Fernández
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramona A Kopton
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Simon-Chica
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Josef Madl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology I, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum M Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Abstract
The electromechanical function of the heart involves complex, coordinated activity over time and space. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias arise from asynchrony in these space-time events; therefore, therapies for prevention and treatment require fundamental understanding and the ability to visualize, perturb and control cardiac activity. Optogenetics combines optical and molecular biology (genetic) approaches for light-enabled sensing and actuation of electrical activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and parallelism. The year 2020 marks a decade of developments in cardiac optogenetics since this technology was adopted from neuroscience and applied to the heart. In this Review, we appraise a decade of advances that define near-term (immediate) translation based on all-optical electrophysiology, including high-throughput screening, cardiotoxicity testing and personalized medicine assays, and long-term (aspirational) prospects for clinical translation of cardiac optogenetics, including new optical therapies for rhythm control. The main translational opportunities and challenges for optogenetics to be fully embraced in cardiology are also discussed.
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17
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Lopez AL, Wang S, Larina IV. Optogenetic cardiac pacing in cultured mouse embryos under imaging guidance. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e202000223. [PMID: 32692902 PMCID: PMC8117926 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The mouse embryo is an established model for investigation of regulatory mechanisms controlling cardiac development and congenital heart defects in humans. Since cultured mouse embryos are very sensitive to any manipulations and environmental fluctuations, controlled alterations in mouse embryonic cardiac function are extremely challenging, which is a major hurdle in mammalian cardiac biomechanics research. This manuscript presents first optogenetic manipulation of cardiodynamics and hemodynamics in cultured mouse embryos. Optogenetic pacing was combined with 4D (3D + time) optical coherence tomography structural and Doppler imaging, demonstrating that embryonic hearts under optogenetic pacing can function efficiently and produce strong blood flows. This study demonstrates that the presented method is a powerful tool giving quick, consistent, reversible control over heart dynamics and blood flow under real time visualization, enabling various live cardiac biomechanics studies toward better understanding of normal cardiogenesis and congenital heart defects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L. Lopez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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18
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Cardiac Optogenetics in Atrial Fibrillation: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8814092. [PMID: 33195698 PMCID: PMC7641281 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8814092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although rarely life-threatening on short term, atrial fibrillation leads to increased mortality and decreased quality of life through its complications, including heart failure and stroke. Recent studies highlight the benefits of maintaining sinus rhythm. However, pharmacological long-term rhythm control strategies may be shadowed by associated proarrhythmic effects. At the same time, electrical cardioversion is limited to hospitals, while catheter ablation therapy, although effective, is invasive and is dedicated to specific patients, usually with low amounts of atrial fibrosis (preferably Utah I-II). Cardiac optogenetics allows influencing the heart's electrical activity by applying specific wavelength light pulses to previously engineered cardiomyocytes into expressing microbial derived light-sensitive proteins called opsins. The resulting ion influx may give rise to either hyperpolarizing or depolarizing currents, thus offering a therapeutic potential in cardiac electrophysiology, including pacing, resynchronization, and arrhythmia termination. Optogenetic atrial fibrillation cardioversion might be achieved by inducing a conduction block or filling of the excitable gap. The authors agree that transmural opsin expression and appropriate illumination with an exposure time longer than the arrhythmia cycle length are necessary to achieve successful arrhythmia termination. However, the efficiency and safety of biological cardioversion in humans remain to be seen, as well as side effects such as immune reactions and loss of opsin expression. The possibility of delivering pain-free shocks with out-of-hospital biological cardioversion is tempting; however, there are several issues that need to be addressed first: applicability and safety in humans, long-term behaviour, anticoagulation requirements, and fibrosis interactions.
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19
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Grassam-Rowe A, Ou X, Lei M. Novel cardiac cell subpopulations: Pnmt-derived cardiomyocytes. Open Biol 2020; 10:200095. [PMID: 32810421 PMCID: PMC7479933 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity among highly specialized cells underlies the fundamental biology of complex multi-cellular organisms. One of the essential scientific questions in cardiac biology has been to define subpopulations within the heart. The heart parenchyma comprises specialized cardiomyocytes (CMs). CMs have been canonically classified into a few phenotypically diverse subpopulations largely based on their function and anatomic localization. However, there is growing evidence that CM subpopulations are in fact numerous, with a diversity of genetic origin and putatively different roles in physiology and pathophysiology. In this chapter, we introduce a recently discovered CM subpopulation: phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (Pnmt)-derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs). We discuss: (i) canonical classifications of CM subpopulations; (ii) discovery of PdCMs; (iii) Pnmt and the role of catecholamines in the heart; similarities and dissimilarities of PdCMs and canonical CMs; and (iv) putative functions of PdCMs in both physiological and pathological states and future directions, such as in intra-cardiac adrenergic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xianghong Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6400, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6400, People's Republic of China
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20
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Rao P, Wang L, Cheng Y, Wang X, Li H, Zheng G, Li Z, Jiang C, Zhou Q, Huang C. Near-infrared light driven tissue-penetrating cardiac optogenetics via upconversion nanoparticles in vivo. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:1401-1416. [PMID: 32206418 PMCID: PMC7075614 DOI: 10.1364/boe.381480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study determines whether near-infrared (NIR) light can drive tissue-penetrating cardiac optical control with upconversion luminescent materials. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) was injected intravenously to rats to achieve ChR2 expression in the heart. The upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) NaYF4:Yb/Tm or upconversion microparticles (UCMP) NaYF4 to upconvert blue light were selected to fabricate freestanding polydimethylsiloxane films. These were attached on the ventricle and covered with muscle tissue. Additionally, a 980-nm NIR laser was programmed and illuminated on the film or the tissue. The NIR laser successfully captured ectopic paced rhythm in the heart, which displays similar manipulation characteristics to those triggered by blue light. Our results highlight the feasibility of tissue-penetration cardiac optogenetics by NIR and demonstrate the potential to use external optical manipulation for non-invasive or weakly invasive applications in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Rao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Long Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Yue Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
- Co-corresponding authors
| | - Haitao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hainan General Hospital, 570311, Haikou, China
| | - Guoxing Zheng
- School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
- Co-corresponding authors
| | - Zile Li
- School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Chan Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
| | - Congxin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology,430060, Wuhan, China
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21
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Cui LJ, Chen WH, Liu AL, Han X, Jiang SX, Yuan F, Zhong YM, Yang XL, Weng SJ. nGnG Amacrine Cells and Brn3b-negative M1 ipRGCs are Specifically Labeled in the ChAT-ChR2-EYFP Mouse. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:14. [PMID: 32049344 PMCID: PMC7326507 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Experimental access to specific cell subtypes is essential for deciphering the complexity of retinal networks. Here, we characterized the selective labeling, caused by ectopic transgene expression, of two atypical retinal neurons in the ChAT-Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-EYFP mouse. Methods Retinal sections and flat-mounts were prepared for double-staining immunohistochemistry with antibodies against EYFP and various neuronal markers. Sagittal/coronal brain slices were made to visualize EYFP signals in central nuclei. Whole-cell recordings were conducted to test the functionality of ChR2. Results Two populations of EYFP-positive retinal cells were observed. The inner nuclear layer (INL)-located one (type I cell) distributed regularly throughout the entire retina, whereas the ganglion cell layer (GCL)-residing one (type II cell) was restricted ventrally. None of them was cholinergic, as evidenced by the complete absence of ChAT immunoreactivity. Type I cells were immunolabeled by the amacrine marker syntaxin. However, the vast majority of them were neither positive to GABA/GAD65, nor to GlyT1/glycine, suggesting that they were non-GABAergic non-glycinergic amacrine cells (nGnG ACs), which was confirmed by double-labeling with the nGnG AC marker PPP1R17. Type II cells were immunopositive to melanopsin, but not to Brn3a or Brn3b. They possessed dendrites stratifying in the outermost inner plexiform layer (IPL) and axons projecting to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) rather than the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPN), suggesting that they belonged to a Brn3b-negative subset of M1-type intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Glutamatergic transmission-independent photocurrents were elicited in EYFP-positive cells, indicating the functional expression of ChR2. Conclusions The ChAT-ChR2-EYFP retina exhibits ectopic, but functional, transgene expression in nGnG ACs and SCN-innervating M1 ipRGCs, thus providing an ideal tool to achieve efficient labeling and optogenetic manipulation of these cells.
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Bub G, Daniels MJ. Feasibility of Using Adjunctive Optogenetic Technologies in Cardiomyocyte Phenotyping - from the Single Cell to the Whole Heart. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:752-764. [PMID: 30961485 PMCID: PMC7527548 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190405182251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In 1791, Galvani established that electricity activated excitable cells. In the two centuries that followed, electrode stimulation of neuronal, skeletal and cardiac muscle became the adjunctive method of choice in experimental, electrophysiological, and clinical arenas. This approach underpins breakthrough technologies like implantable cardiac pacemakers that we currently take for granted. However, the contact dependence, and field stimulation that electrical depolarization delivers brings inherent limitations to the scope and experimental scale that can be achieved. Many of these were not exposed until reliable in vitro stem-cell derived experimental materials, with genotypes of interest, were produced in the numbers needed for multi-well screening platforms (for toxicity or efficacy studies) or the 2D or 3D tissue surrogates required to study propagation of depolarization within multicellular constructs that mimic clinically relevant arrhythmia in the heart or brain. Here the limitations of classical electrode stimulation are discussed. We describe how these are overcome by optogenetic tools which put electrically excitable cells under the control of light. We discuss how this enables studies in cardiac material from the single cell to the whole heart scale. We review the current commercial platforms that incorporate optogenetic stimulation strategies, and summarize the global literature to date on cardiac applications of optogenetics. We show that the advantages of optogenetic stimulation relevant to iPS-CM based screening include independence from contact, elimination of electrical stimulation artefacts in field potential measuring approaches such as the multi-electrode array, and the ability to print re-entrant patterns of depolarization at will on 2D cardiomyocyte monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J. Daniels
- Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK; Tel: +441865234913; E-mails: ;
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Wireless, battery-free, fully implantable multimodal and multisite pacemakers for applications in small animal models. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5742. [PMID: 31848334 PMCID: PMC6917818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Small animals support a wide range of pathological phenotypes and genotypes as versatile, affordable models for pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and for exploration of strategies in electrotherapy, gene therapy, and optogenetics. Pacing tools in such contexts are currently limited to tethered embodiments that constrain animal behaviors and experimental designs. Here, we introduce a highly miniaturized wireless energy-harvesting and digital communication electronics for thin, miniaturized pacing platforms weighing 110 mg with capabilities for subdermal implantation and tolerance to over 200,000 multiaxial cycles of strain without degradation in electrical or optical performance. Multimodal and multisite pacing in ex vivo and in vivo studies over many days demonstrate chronic stability and excellent biocompatibility. Optogenetic stimulation of cardiac cycles with in-animal control and induction of heart failure through chronic pacing serve as examples of modes of operation relevant to fundamental and applied cardiovascular research and biomedical technology. Pacing tools that support small animals and can serve as models for pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases are currently not available. Here, the authors report a miniaturized wireless battery-free implantable multimodal and multisite pacemaker that provides unlimited stimulation to test subjects.
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Mao D, Li N, Xiong Z, Sun Y, Xu G. Single-Cell Optogenetic Control of Calcium Signaling with a High-Density Micro-LED Array. iScience 2019; 21:403-412. [PMID: 31704651 PMCID: PMC6889635 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise optogenetic control, ideally down to single cells in dense cell populations, is essential in understanding the heterogeneity of cell networks. Devices with such capability, if built in a chip scale, will advance optogenetic studies at cellular levels in a variety of experimental settings. Here we demonstrate optogenetic control of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics at the single cell level using a 16-μm pitched micro-light emitting diode (LED) array that features high brightness, small spot size, fast response, and low voltage operation. Individual LED pixels are able to reliably trigger intracellular Ca2+ transients, confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and control experiments and cross-checked by two genetically coded Ca2+ indicators. Importantly, our array can optogenetically address individual cells that are sub-10 μm apart in densely packed cell populations. These results suggest the possible use of the micro-LED array toward a lab-on-a-chip for single-cell optogenetics, which may allow for pharmaceutical screening and fundamental studies on a variety of cell networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dacheng Mao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ningwei Li
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Zheshun Xiong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Guangyu Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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25
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Ferenczi EA, Tan X, Huang CLH. Principles of Optogenetic Methods and Their Application to Cardiac Experimental Systems. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1096. [PMID: 31572204 PMCID: PMC6749684 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques permit studies of excitable tissue through genetically expressed light-gated microbial channels or pumps permitting transmembrane ion movement. Light activation of these proteins modulates cellular excitability with millisecond precision. This review summarizes optogenetic approaches, using examples from neurobiological applications, and then explores their application in cardiac electrophysiology. We review the available opsins, including depolarizing and hyperpolarizing variants, as well as modulators of G-protein coupled intracellular signaling. We discuss the biophysical properties that determine the ability of microbial opsins to evoke reliable, precise stimulation or silencing of electrophysiological activity. We also review spectrally shifted variants offering possibilities for enhanced depth of tissue penetration, combinatorial stimulation for targeting different cell subpopulations, or all-optical read-in and read-out studies. Expression of the chosen optogenetic tool in the cardiac cell of interest then requires, at the single-cell level, introduction of opsin-encoding genes by viral transduction, or coupling "spark cells" to primary cardiomyocytes or a stem-cell derived counterpart. At the system-level, this requires construction of transgenic mice expressing ChR2 in their cardiomyocytes, or in vivo injection (myocardial or systemic) of adenoviral expression systems. Light delivery, by laser or LED, with widespread or multipoint illumination, although relatively straightforward in vitro may be technically challenged by cardiac motion and light-scattering in biological tissue. Physiological read outs from cardiac optogenetic stimulation include single cell patch clamp recordings, multi-unit microarray recordings from cell monolayers or slices, and electrical recordings from isolated Langendorff perfused hearts. Optical readouts of specific cellular events, including ion transients, voltage changes or activity in biochemical signaling cascades, using small detecting molecules or genetically encoded sensors now offer powerful opportunities for all-optical control and monitoring of cellular activity. Use of optogenetics has expanded in cardiac physiology, mainly using optically controlled depolarizing ion channels to control heart rate and for optogenetic defibrillation. ChR2-expressing cardiomyocytes show normal baseline and active excitable membrane and Ca2+ signaling properties and are sensitive even to ~1 ms light pulses. They have been employed in studies of the intrinsic cardiac adrenergic system and of cardiac arrhythmic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Ferenczi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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26
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Dong R, Mu-u-min R, Reith AJM, O’Shea C, He S, Duan K, Kou K, Grassam-Rowe A, Tan X, Pavlovic D, Ou X, Lei M. A Protocol for Dual Calcium-Voltage Optical Mapping in Murine Sinoatrial Preparation With Optogenetic Pacing. Front Physiol 2019; 10:954. [PMID: 31456689 PMCID: PMC6698704 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the animal models for studying the molecular basis of atrial and sinoatrial node (SAN) biology and disease, the mouse is a widely used species due to its feasibility for genetic modifications in genes encoding ion channels or calcium handling and signaling proteins in the heart. It is therefore highly valuable to develop robust methodologies for studying SAN and atrial electrophysiological function in this species. Here, we describe a protocol for performing dual calcium-voltage optical mapping on mouse sinoatrial preparation (SAP), in combination with an optogenetic approach, for studying SAP membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ transients, and pacemaker activity. The protocol includes the details for preparing the intact SAP, robust tissue dual-dye loading, light-programmed pacing, and high-resolution optical mapping. Our protocol provides an example of use of the combination of optogenetic and optical mapping techniques for investigating SAP membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ transients and pacemaker activity with high temporal and spatial resolution in specific cardiac tissues. Thus, our protocol provides a useful tool for studying SAP physiology and pathophysiology in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Razik Mu-u-min
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christopher O’Shea
- Institute for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shicheng He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kaizhong Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kun Kou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xianhong Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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27
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Fan X, Sun T, Crawford W, Tan X, Ou X, Terrar DA, Ebert SN, Lei M. Pnmt-Derived Cardiomyocytes: Anatomical Localization, Function and Future Perspectives. Front Physiol 2019; 10:713. [PMID: 31354504 PMCID: PMC6635595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this mini-review, we provide an overview of phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (Pnmt)-derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs), a recently discovered cardiomyocyte subpopulation. We discuss their anatomical localization, physiological characteristics, possible function, and future perspectives. Their unique distribution in the heart, electrical activity, Ca2+ transient properties, and potential role in localized adrenergic signaling are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - William Crawford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xianhong Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Derek A. Terrar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Steven N. Ebert
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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28
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He S, Wen Q, O’Shea C, Mu-u-min R, Kou K, Grassam-Rowe A, Liu Y, Fan Z, Tan X, Ou X, Camelliti P, Pavlovic D, Lei M. A Protocol for Transverse Cardiac Slicing and Optical Mapping in Murine Heart. Front Physiol 2019; 10:755. [PMID: 31293436 PMCID: PMC6603341 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thin living tissue slices have recently emerged as a new tissue model for cardiac electrophysiological research. Slices can be produced from human cardiac tissue, in addition to small and large mammalian hearts, representing a powerful in vitro model system for preclinical and translational heart research. In the present protocol, we describe a detailed mouse heart transverse slicing and optical imaging methodology. The use of this technology for high-throughput optical imaging allows study of electrophysiology of murine hearts in an organotypic pseudo two-dimensional model. The slices are cut at right angles to the long axis of the heart, permitting robust interrogation of transmembrane potential (Vm) and calcium transients (CaT) throughout the entire heart with exceptional regional precision. This approach enables the use of a series of slices prepared from the ventricles to measure Vm and CaT with high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing (i) comparison of successive slices which form a stack representing the original geometry of the heart; (ii) profiling of transmural and regional gradients in Vm and CaT in the ventricle; (iii) characterization of transmural and regional profiles of action potential and CaT alternans under stress (e.g., high frequency pacing or β-adrenergic stimulation) or pathological conditions (e.g., hypertrophy). Thus, the protocol described here provides a powerful platform for innovative research on electrical and calcium handling heterogeneity within the heart. It can be also combined with optogenetic technology to carry out optical stimulation; aiding studies of cellular Vm and CaT in a cell type specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Q. Wen
- Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - C. O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - R. Mu-u-min
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - K. Kou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - A. Grassam-Rowe
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Y. Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Z. Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - X. Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - X. Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - P. Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - D. Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M. Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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29
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Jiang C, Li HT, Zhou YM, Wang X, Wang L, Liu ZQ. Cardiac optogenetics: a novel approach to cardiovascular disease therapy. Europace 2019; 20:1741-1749. [PMID: 29253159 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is a cell-type specific and high spatial-temporal resolution method that combines genetic encoding of light-sensitive proteins and optical manipulation techniques. Optogenetics technology provides a novel approach for research on cardiac arrhythmia treatment, including pacing, recovering the conduction system, and achieving cardiac resynchronization with precise and low-energy optical control. Photosensitive proteins, which usually act as ion channels, pumps, or receptors, are delivered to target cells, where they respond to light pulses of specific wavelengths, evoke transient flows of transmembrane ion currents, and induce signal transmission. With the development of gene technology, the in vivo efficiency of optogenetics in cardiology has been trialed, and in vitro experiments have been performed to test its potential in cardiac electrophysiology. Challenges for applying optogenetics in large animals and humans include the effectiveness, safety, and long-term expression of photosensitive proteins, unscattered and unattenuated exogenous light stimulation, and the need for implantable miniature light stimulators. Photosensitive proteins, genetic engineering technology, and light equipment are essential for experiments in cardiac optogenetics. Optogenetics may provide an alternative method for evaluating the mechanism of cardiac arrhythmias, testing hypotheses, and treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hai Tao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, PR China
| | - Yong Ming Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Long Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, PR China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zi Qiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, PR China
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30
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Moen JM, Matt MG, Ramirez C, Tarasov KV, Chakir K, Tarasova YS, Lukyanenko Y, Tsutsui K, Monfredi O, Morrell CH, Tagirova S, Yaniv Y, Huynh T, Pacak K, Ahmet I, Lakatta EG. Overexpression of a Neuronal Type Adenylyl Cyclase (Type 8) in Sinoatrial Node Markedly Impacts Heart Rate and Rhythm. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:615. [PMID: 31275103 PMCID: PMC6591434 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV), predictors of over-all organism health, are widely believed to be driven by autonomic input to the sinoatrial node (SAN), with sympathetic input increasing HR and reducing HRV. However, variability in spontaneous beating intervals in isolated SAN tissue and single SAN cells, devoid of autonomic neural input, suggests that clocks intrinsic to SAN cells may also contribute to HR and HRV in vivo. We assessed contributions of both intrinsic and autonomic neuronal input mechanisms of SAN cell function on HR and HRV via in vivo, telemetric EKG recordings. This was done in both wild type (WT) mice, and those in which adenylyl cyclase type 8 (ADCY8), a main driver of intrinsic cAMP-PKA-Ca2+ mediated pacemaker function, was overexpressed exclusively in the heart (TGAC8). We hypothesized that TGAC8 mice would: (1) manifest a more coherent pattern of HRV in vivo, i.e., a reduced HRV driven by mechanisms intrinsic to SAN cells, and less so to modulation by autonomic input and (2) utilize unique adaptations to limit sympathetic input to a heart with high levels of intrinsic cAMP-Ca2+ signaling. Increased adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in TGAC8 SAN tissue was accompanied by a marked increase in HR and a concurrent marked reduction in HRV, both in the absence or presence of dual autonomic blockade. The marked increase in intrinsic HR and coherence of HRV in TGAC8 mice occurred in the context of: (1) reduced HR and HRV responses to β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation; (2) increased transcription of genes and expression of proteins [β-Arrestin, G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 5 (GRK5) and Clathrin Adaptor Protein (Dab2)] that desensitize β-AR signaling within SAN tissue, (3) reduced transcripts or protein levels of enzymes [dopamine beta-hydorxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)] required for catecholamine production in intrinsic cardiac adrenergic cells, and (4) substantially reduced plasma catecholamine levels. Thus, mechanisms driven by cAMP-PKA-Ca2+ signaling intrinsic to SAN cells underlie the marked coherence of TGAC8 mice HRV. Adaptations to limit additional activation of AC signaling, via decreased neuronal sympathetic input, are utilized to ensure the hearts survival and prevent Ca2+ overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack M Moen
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael G Matt
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christopher Ramirez
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kirill V Tarasov
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Khalid Chakir
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yelena S Tarasova
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yevgeniya Lukyanenko
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kenta Tsutsui
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Oliver Monfredi
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular and Electrophysiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher H Morrell
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Mathematics, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Syevda Tagirova
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yael Yaniv
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Thanh Huynh
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ismayil Ahmet
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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O’Shea C, Holmes AP, Winter J, Correia J, Ou X, Dong R, He S, Kirchhof P, Fabritz L, Rajpoot K, Pavlovic D. Cardiac Optogenetics and Optical Mapping - Overcoming Spectral Congestion in All-Optical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Front Physiol 2019; 10:182. [PMID: 30899227 PMCID: PMC6416196 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic control of the heart is an emergent technology that offers unparalleled spatio-temporal control of cardiac dynamics via light-sensitive ion pumps and channels (opsins). This fast-evolving technique holds broad scope in both clinical and basic research setting. Combination of optogenetics with optical mapping of voltage or calcium fluorescent probes facilitates 'all-optical' electrophysiology, allowing precise optogenetic actuation of cardiac tissue with high spatio-temporal resolution imaging of action potential and calcium transient morphology and conduction patterns. In this review, we provide a synopsis of optogenetics and discuss in detail its use and compatibility with optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology. We briefly discuss the benefits of all-optical cardiac control and electrophysiological interrogation compared to traditional techniques, and describe mechanisms, unique features and limitations of optically induced cardiac control. In particular, we focus on state-of-the-art setup design, challenges in light delivery and filtering, and compatibility of opsins with fluorescent reporters used in optical mapping. The interaction of cardiac tissue with light, and physical and computational approaches to overcome the 'spectral congestion' that arises from the combination of optogenetics and optical mapping are discussed. Finally, we summarize recent preclinical work applications of combined cardiac optogenetics and optical mapping approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Physical Sciences for Health, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Holmes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Winter
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joao Correia
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xianhong Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shicheng He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kashif Rajpoot
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Park S, Lui C, Jung W, Maity D, Ong CS, Bush J, Maruthamuthu V, Hibino N, Chen Y. Mechanical Characterization of hiPSC‐Derived Cardiac Tissues for Quality Control. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Cecillia Lui
- Division of Cardiac SurgeryJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Wei‐Hung Jung
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Debonil Maity
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Chin Siang Ong
- Division of Cardiac SurgeryJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Joshua Bush
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringOld Dominion University VA 23529 USA
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringOld Dominion University VA 23529 USA
| | - Narutoshi Hibino
- Division of Cardiac SurgeryJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
- Institute for NanoBio TechnologyJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
- Institute for NanoBio TechnologyJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
- Center for Cell DynamicsJohns Hopkins University MD 21218 USA
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Duarte MJ, Kanumuri VV, Landegger LD, Tarabichi O, Sinha S, Meng X, Hight AE, Kozin ED, Stankovic KM, Brown MC, Lee DJ. Ancestral Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Delivery of Opsins to Spiral Ganglion Neurons: Implications for Optogenetic Cochlear Implants. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1931-1939. [PMID: 30017876 PMCID: PMC6094394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is a transformative technology based on light-sensitive microbial proteins, known as opsins, that enable precise modulation of neuronal activity with pulsed radiant energy. Optogenetics has been proposed as a means to improve auditory implant outcomes by reducing channel interaction and increasing electrode density, but the introduction of opsins into cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in vivo has been challenging. Here we test opsin delivery using a synthetically developed ancestral adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector called Anc80L65. Wild-type C57BL/6 mouse pups were injected via the round window of cochlea with Anc80L65 carrying opsin Chronos under the control of a CAG promoter. Following an incubation of 6-22 weeks, pulsed blue light was delivered to cochlear SGNs via a cochleosotomy approach and flexible optical fiber. Optically evoked auditory brainstem responses (oABRs) and multiunit activity in inferior colliculus (IC) were observed. Post-experiment cochlear histology demonstrated opsin expression in SGNs (mean = 74%), with an even distribution of opsin along the cochlear basal/apical gradient. This study is the first to describe robust SGN transduction, opsin expression, and optically evoked auditory electrophysiology in neonatal mice. Ultimately, this work may provide the basis for a new generation of cochlear implant based on light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Duarte
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vivek V Kanumuri
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lukas D Landegger
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Osama Tarabichi
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sumi Sinha
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiankai Meng
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariel Edward Hight
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elliott D Kozin
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Konstantina M Stankovic
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Christian Brown
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Lee
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Kiełbus M, Czapiński J, Odrzywolski A, Stasiak G, Szymańska K, Kałafut J, Kos M, Giannopoulos K, Stepulak A, Rivero-Müller A. Optogenetics in cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:459-472. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1437138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kiełbus
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Czapiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrian Odrzywolski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Stasiak
- Department of Experimental Haematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Szymańska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Kos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Giannopoulos
- Department of Experimental Haematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Hematology, St. John’s Cancer Center, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Stepulak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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Cardiac Optogenetics: 2018. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2018; 4:155-167. [PMID: 29749932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac optogenetics is an emergent research area involving the delivery of light-sensitive proteins (opsins) to excitable heart tissue to enable optical modulation of cardiac electrical function. Optogenetic stimulation has many noteworthy advantages over conventional electrical methods, including selective electrophysiological modulation in specifically targeted cell subpopulations, high-resolution spatiotemporal control via patterned illumination, and use of different opsins to elicit inward or outward transmembrane current. This review summarizes developments achieved since the inception of cardiac optogenetics research, which has spanned nearly a decade. The authors first provide an overview of recent methodological advances in opsin engineering, light sensitization of cardiac tissue, strategies for illuminating the heart, and frameworks for simulating optogenetics in realistic computational models of patient hearts. They then review recent cardiac optogenetics applications, including: 1) all-optical, high-throughput, contactless assays for quantification of electrophysiological properties; 2) optogenetic perturbation of cardiac tissue to unveil mechanistic insights on the initiation, perpetuation, and termination of arrhythmia; and 3) disruptive translational innovations such as light-based pacemaking and defibrillation.
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Yu L, Zhou L, Cao G, Po SS, Huang B, Zhou X, Wang M, Yuan S, Wang Z, Wang S, Jiang H. Optogenetic Modulation of Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Activity to Prevent Ventricular Arrhythmias. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 70:2778-2790. [PMID: 29191327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that left stellate ganglion (LSG) suppression protects against ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Optogenetics is a novel technique to reversibly regulate the activity of the targeted neurons. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate whether an optogenetically silenced LSG could protect against VAs induced by myocardial ischemia. METHODS Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used as the vector to deliver ArchT, an inhibitory light-sensitive opsin, to the LSG neurons. Twenty male beagles were randomized into the optogenetics group (n = 10, AAV2/9-CAG-ArchT-GFP microinjected into LSG) and control group (n = 10, AAV2/9-CAG-GFP microinjected into LSG). After 4 weeks, the LSG function and neural activity, heart rate variability, ventricular action potential duration, and effective refractory period were measured in the absence or presence of a light-emitting diode illumination (565 nm). Myocardial ischemia was induced by left anterior coronary artery ligation and 1 h of electrocardiography was recorded for VAs analysis. RESULTS ArchT was successfully expressed in all dogs. Transient light-emitting diode illumination significantly suppressed the LSG function, LSG neural activity, and sympathetic nerve indices of heart rate variability as well as prolonged left ventricular effective refractory period and APD90 only in the optogenetics group. Thirty-minute illumination further enhanced these changes in the optogenetics group. Importantly, all of these changes returned to baseline within 2 h after illumination was turned off. Moreover, the ischemia-induced VAs were significantly suppressed by illumination only in the optogenetics group. CONCLUSIONS Optogenetic modulation could reversibly inhibit the neural activity of LSG, thereby increasing electrophysiological stability and protecting against myocardial ischemia-induced VAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilei Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Cao
- Biomedical Center of Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sunny S Po
- Heart Rhythm Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Bing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Menglong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenxu Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Songyun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China.
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Ni H, Wang Y, Crawford W, Zhang S, Cheng L, Zhang H, Lei M. Three-dimensional image reconstruction of distribution of Pnmt + cell-derived cells in murine heart. Sci Data 2017; 4:170134. [PMID: 28949324 PMCID: PMC5613735 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the function of specific cell types in a highly complex multicellular system such as the heart often requires detailed anatomic reconstruction. We recently described a distinctive class of phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt+) cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs), a new cardiomyocyte population with a potential endocrine role. In this dataset, a 3D reconstruction was carried out to visualise the distribution of PdCMs throughout the murine heart. Rigid registration (stiff rotation and translation) was applied to properly align the fused heart slice images based on landmarks using TrakEM2, an open source plug-in in Fiji. The registered slices were then analysed and reconstructed using MATLAB (MATLAB®. Version 8.3.0.532). The final reconstructed 3D volume was 561×866×48 pixels (corresponding to spatial resolutions of 5.8, 8.9 and 2.5 mm in the x-, y- and z-direction respectively), and visualised in Paraview. The reconstruction allows for detailed analyses of morphology, projections and cellular features of different cell types, enabling further geometrical and topological analyses. Image data can be accessed and viewed through Figshare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Ni
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13, 9PL, UK
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6400, China
| | - Yange Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - William Crawford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Shanzhuo Zhang
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13, 9PL, UK
| | - Longxian Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Henggui Zhang
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13, 9PL, UK
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6400, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease/Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6400, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Johnston CM, Rog-Zielinska EA, Wülfers EM, Houwaart T, Siedlecka U, Naumann A, Nitschke R, Knöpfel T, Kohl P, Schneider-Warme F. Optogenetic targeting of cardiac myocytes and non-myocytes: Tools, challenges and utility. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 130:140-149. [PMID: 28919131 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In optogenetics, light-activated proteins are used to monitor and modulate cellular behaviour with light. Combining genetic targeting of distinct cellular populations with defined patterns of optical stimulation enables one to study specific cell classes in complex biological tissues. In the current study we attempted to investigate the functional relevance of heterocellular electrotonic coupling in cardiac tissue in situ. In order to do that, we used a Cre-Lox approach to express the light-gated cation channel Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) specifically in either cardiac myocytes or non-myocytes. Despite high specificity when using the same Cre driver lines in a previous study in combination with a different optogenetic probe, we found patchy off-target ChR2 expression in cryo-sections and extended z-stack imaging through the ventricular wall of hearts cleared using CLARITY. Based on immunohistochemical analysis, single-cell electrophysiological recordings and whole-genome sequencing, we reason that non-specificity is caused on the Cre recombination level. Our study highlights the importance of careful design and validation of the Cre recombination targets for reliable cell class specific expression of optogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum M Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Houwaart
- Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Urszula Siedlecka
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Naumann
- Life Imaging Center, Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Nitschke
- Life Imaging Center, Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom.
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Liao Z, Kasirer-Friede A, Shattil SJ. Optogenetic interrogation of integrin αVβ3 function in endothelial cells. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3532-3541. [PMID: 28864764 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.205203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrin αVβ3 is reported to promote angiogenesis in some model systems but not in others. Here, we used optogenetics to study the effects of αVβ3 interaction with the intracellular adapter kindlin-2 (Fermt2) on endothelial cell functions potentially relevant to angiogenesis. Because interaction of kindlin-2 with αVβ3 requires the C-terminal three residues of the β3 cytoplasmic tail (Arg-Gly-Thr; RGT), optogenetic probes LOVpep and ePDZ1 were fused to β3ΔRGT-GFP and mCherry-kindlin-2, respectively, and expressed in β3 integrin-null microvascular endothelial cells. Exposure of the cells to 450 nm (blue) light caused rapid and specific interaction of kindlin-2 with αVβ3 as assessed by immunofluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, and it led to increased endothelial cell migration, podosome formation and angiogenic sprouting. Analyses of kindlin-2 mutants indicated that interaction of kindlin-2 with other kindlin-2 binding partners, including c-Src, actin, integrin-linked kinase and phosphoinositides, were also likely necessary for these endothelial cell responses. Thus, kindlin-2 promotes αVβ3-dependent angiogenic functions of endothelial cells through its simultaneous interactions with β3 integrin and several other binding partners. Optogenetic approaches should find further use in clarifying spatiotemporal aspects of vascular cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Liao
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ana Kasirer-Friede
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sanford J Shattil
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Hanna P, Rajendran PS, Ajijola OA, Vaseghi M, Andrew Armour J, Ardell JL, Shivkumar K. Cardiac neuroanatomy - Imaging nerves to define functional control. Auton Neurosci 2017; 207:48-58. [PMID: 28802636 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system regulates normal cardiovascular function and plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Further understanding of the interplay between the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular system holds promise for the development of neuroscience-based cardiovascular therapeutics. To this end, techniques to image myocardial innervation will help provide a basis for understanding the fundamental underpinnings of cardiac neural control. In this review, we detail the evolution of gross and microscopic anatomical studies for functional mapping of cardiac neuroanatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hanna
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pradeep S Rajendran
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Olujimi A Ajijola
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Andrew Armour
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jefrrey L Ardell
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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41
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Crocini C, Ferrantini C, Pavone FS, Sacconi L. Optogenetics gets to the heart: A guiding light beyond defibrillation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 130:132-139. [PMID: 28506694 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics provides a tool for controlling the electrical activity of excitable cells by means of the interaction of light with light-gated ion channels. Despite the fact that optogenetics has been intensively utilized in the neurosciences, it has been more rarely employed as an instrument for studying cardiac pathophysiology. However, the advantages of optical approaches to perturb cardiac electrical activity are numerous, especially when the spatio-temporal qualities of light are utterly exploited. Here, we review the main breakthroughs employing optogenetics to perturb cardiac pathophysiology and attempt a comparison of methods and procedures that have employed optogenetics in the heart. We particularly focus on light-based defibrillation strategies that represent one of the latest achievements in this field. We highlight the important role of advanced optical methods for detecting and stimulating electrical activity for optimizing defibrillation strategies and, more generally, for dissecting novel insights in cardiac physiology. Finally, we discuss the main future perspectives that we envision for optogenetics in the heart, both in terms of translational applications and for addressing fundamental questions of cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crocini
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; National Institute of Optic (CNR-INO), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Ferrantini
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco S Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; National Institute of Optic (CNR-INO), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; National Institute of Optic (CNR-INO), Via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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