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Hilgendorf I, Frantz S, Frangogiannis NG. Repair of the Infarcted Heart: Cellular Effectors, Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Circ Res 2024; 134:1718-1751. [PMID: 38843294 PMCID: PMC11164543 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart has limited endogenous regenerative capacity and heals through the activation of inflammatory and fibrogenic cascades that ultimately result in the formation of a scar. After infarction, massive cardiomyocyte death releases a broad range of damage-associated molecular patterns that initiate both myocardial and systemic inflammatory responses. TLRs (toll-like receptors) and NLRs (NOD-like receptors) recognize damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and transduce downstream proinflammatory signals, leading to upregulation of cytokines (such as interleukin-1, TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor-α], and interleukin-6) and chemokines (such as CCL2 [CC chemokine ligand 2]) and recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Expansion and diversification of cardiac macrophages in the infarcted heart play a major role in the clearance of the infarct from dead cells and the subsequent stimulation of reparative pathways. Efferocytosis triggers the induction and release of anti-inflammatory mediators that restrain the inflammatory reaction and set the stage for the activation of reparative fibroblasts and vascular cells. Growth factor-mediated pathways, neurohumoral cascades, and matricellular proteins deposited in the provisional matrix stimulate fibroblast activation and proliferation and myofibroblast conversion. Deposition of a well-organized collagen-based extracellular matrix network protects the heart from catastrophic rupture and attenuates ventricular dilation. Scar maturation requires stimulation of endogenous signals that inhibit fibroblast activity and prevent excessive fibrosis. Moreover, in the mature scar, infarct neovessels acquire a mural cell coat that contributes to the stabilization of the microvascular network. Excessive, prolonged, or dysregulated inflammatory or fibrogenic cascades accentuate adverse remodeling and dysfunction. Moreover, inflammatory leukocytes and fibroblasts can contribute to arrhythmogenesis. Inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways may be promising therapeutic targets to attenuate heart failure progression and inhibit arrhythmia generation in patients surviving myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Hilgendorf
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen and Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Frantz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY
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2
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De Coster T, Teplenin AS, Feola I, Bart CI, Ramkisoensing AA, den Ouden BL, Ypey DL, Trines SA, Panfilov AV, Zeppenfeld K, de Vries AAF, Pijnappels DA. 'Trapped re-entry' as source of acute focal atrial arrhythmias. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:249-261. [PMID: 38048392 PMCID: PMC10939464 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Diseased atria are characterized by functional and structural heterogeneities, adding to abnormal impulse generation and propagation. These heterogeneities are thought to lie at the origin of fractionated electrograms recorded during sinus rhythm (SR) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and are assumed to be involved in the onset and perpetuation (e.g. by re-entry) of this disorder. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain incompletely understood. Here, we tested whether regions of dense fibrosis could create an electrically isolated conduction pathway (EICP) in which re-entry could be established via ectopy and local block to become 'trapped'. We also investigated whether this could generate local fractionated electrograms and whether the re-entrant wave could 'escape' and cause a global tachyarrhythmia due to dynamic changes at a connecting isthmus. METHODS AND RESULTS To precisely control and explore the geometrical properties of EICPs, we used light-gated depolarizing ion channels and patterned illumination for creating specific non-conducting regions in silico and in vitro. Insight from these studies was used for complementary investigations in virtual human atria with localized fibrosis. We demonstrated that a re-entrant tachyarrhythmia can exist locally within an EICP with SR prevailing in the surrounding tissue and identified conditions under which re-entry could escape from the EICP, thereby converting a local latent arrhythmic source into an active driver with global impact on the heart. In a realistic three-dimensional model of human atria, unipolar epicardial pseudo-electrograms showed fractionation at the site of 'trapped re-entry' in coexistence with regular SR electrograms elsewhere in the atria. Upon escape of the re-entrant wave, acute arrhythmia onset was observed. CONCLUSIONS Trapped re-entry as a latent source of arrhythmogenesis can explain the sudden onset of focal arrhythmias, which are able to transgress into AF. Our study might help to improve the effectiveness of ablation of aberrant cardiac electrical signals in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim De Coster
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander S Teplenin
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Iolanda Feola
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy I Bart
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arti A Ramkisoensing
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bram L den Ouden
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk L Ypey
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Serge A Trines
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander V Panfilov
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Biomed Laboratory, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- World-Class Research Center ‘Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare’, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Katja Zeppenfeld
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine A F de Vries
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniël A Pijnappels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO 9600, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Billur D, Olgar Y, Durak A, Yozgat AH, Unay S, Tuncay E, Turan B. An increase in intercellular crosstalk and electrotonic coupling between cardiomyocytes and nonmyocytes reshapes the electrical conduction in the metabolic heart characterized by short QT intervals in ECGs. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1526-1542. [PMID: 38014767 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3893] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac conduction abnormalities are disorders in metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, their mechanisms are unknown. Although ventricular arrhythmia reflects the changes in QT-interval of electrocardiograms associated with the changes in cardiomyocyte action potential durations (APDs), recent studies emphasize role of intercellular crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and nonmyocytes via passive (electrotonic)-conduction. Therefore, considering the possible increase in intercellular interactions of nonmyocytes with cardiomyocytes, we hypothesized an early-cardiac-remodeling characterized by short QT-interval via contributions and modulations of changes by nonmyocytes to the ventricular APs in an early-stage MetS hearts. Following the feeding of 8-week-old rats with a high-sucrose diet (32%; MetS rats) and validation of insulin resistance, there was a significant increase in heart rate and changes in the electrical characteristics of the hearts, especially a shortening in action potential (AP) duration of the papillary muscles. The patch-clamp analysis of ventricular cardiomyocytes showed an increase in the Na+ -channel currents while there were decreases in l-type Ca2+ -channel (LTCC) currents with unchanged K+ -channel currents. There was an increase in the phosphorylated form of connexin 43 (pCx43), mostly with lateral localization on sarcolemma, while its unphosphorylated form (Cx43) exhibited a high degree of localization within intercalated discs. A high-level positively-stained α-SMA and CD68 cells were prominently localized and distributed in interfibrillar spaces of the heart, implying the possible contributions of myofibroblasts and macrophages to both shortened APDs and abnormal electrical conduction in MetS hearts. Our data propose a previously unrecognized pathway for SQT induction in the heart. This pathway includes not only the contribution of short ventricular-APDs via ionic mechanisms but also increasing contributions of the electrotonic-cardiomyocyte depolarization, spontaneous electrical activity-associated fast heterogeneous impulse conduction in the heart via increased interactions and relocations between cardiomyocytes and nonmyocytes, which may be an explanation for the development of an SQT in early-cardiac-remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Billur
- Departments of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Yusuf Olgar
- Departments of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Aysegul Durak
- Departments of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ayse Hande Yozgat
- Departments of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Simge Unay
- Departments of Biophysics, Lokman Hekim University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Erkan Tuncay
- Departments of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Belma Turan
- Departments of Biophysics, Lokman Hekim University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
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Leemann S, Schneider-Warme F, Kleinlogel S. Cardiac optogenetics: shining light on signaling pathways. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1421-1437. [PMID: 38097805 PMCID: PMC10730638 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, the field of neuroscience experienced a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of optogenetics. This innovative technique harnesses the properties of naturally occurring and genetically engineered rhodopsins to confer light sensitivity upon target cells. The remarkable spatiotemporal precision offered by optogenetics has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to dissect cellular physiology, leading to an entirely new level of investigation. Initially revolutionizing neuroscience, optogenetics quickly piqued the interest of the wider scientific community, and optogenetic applications were expanded to cardiovascular research. Over the past decade, researchers have employed various optical tools to observe, regulate, and steer the membrane potential of excitable cells in the heart. Despite these advancements, achieving control over specific signaling pathways within the heart has remained an elusive goal. Here, we review the optogenetic tools suitable to control cardiac signaling pathways with a focus on GPCR signaling, and delineate potential applications for studying these pathways, both in healthy and diseased hearts. By shedding light on these exciting developments, we hope to contribute to the ongoing progress in basic cardiac research to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic possibilities for treating cardiovascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Leemann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Kleinlogel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Translational Medicine Neuroscience, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Winters J, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Kawczynski M, Maesen B, Maessen J, Bidar E, Boukens B, Hermans B, van Hunnik A, Casadei B, Fabritz L, Chua W, Sommerfeld L, Guasch E, Mont L, Batlle M, Hatem S, Kirchhof P, Wakili R, Sinner M, Stoll M, Goette A, Verheule S, Schotten U. Heart Failure, Female Sex, and Atrial Fibrillation Are the Main Drivers of Human Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Results From the CATCH ME Consortium. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031220. [PMID: 37982389 PMCID: PMC10727294 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial cardiomyopathy (atCM) is an emerging prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. Fibrotic remodeling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and capillary density are hallmarks of atCM. The contribution of etiological factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) to the development of differential atCM phenotypes has not been quantified. This study aimed to evaluate the association between histological features of atCM and the clinical phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined left atrial (LA, n=95) and right atrial (RA, n=76) appendages from a European cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Quantification of histological atCM features was performed following wheat germ agglutinin/CD31/vimentin staining. The contributions of AF, heart failure, sex, and age to histological characteristics were determined with multiple linear regression models. Persistent AF was associated with increased endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.13±0.47 μm, P=0.038; RA: +0.94±0.38 μm, P=0.041), whereas total extracellular matrix content was not. Men had larger cardiomyocytes (LA: +1.92±0.72 μm, P<0.001), while women had more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +0.99±0.56 μm, P=0.003). Patients with heart failure showed more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.85±0.48 μm, P<0.001) and extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.07±1.29%, P=0.016), and a higher capillary density (LA: +0.13±0.06, P=0.007) and size (LA: +0.46±0.22 μm, P=0.044). Fuzzy k-means clustering of histological features identified 2 subtypes of atCM: 1 characterized by enhanced endomysial fibrosis (LA: +3.17 μm, P<0.001; RA: +2.86 μm, P<0.001), extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.53%, P<0.001; RA: +6.40%, P<0.001) and fibroblast density (LA: +4.38%, P<0.001), and 1 characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (LA: +1.16 μm, P=0.008; RA: +2.58 μm, P<0.001). Patients with fibrotic atCM were more frequently female (LA: odds ratio [OR], 1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004), with persistent AF (LA: OR, 1.22, P=0.036) or heart failure (LA: OR, 1.62, P<0.001). Hypertrophic features were more common in men (LA: OR=1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Fibrotic atCM is associated with female sex, persistent AF, and heart failure, while hypertrophic features are more common in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Winters
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Michal Kawczynski
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Jos Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bas Boukens
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ben Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Casadei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, BHF Centre of Research Excellence University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sommerfeld
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
| | - Luis Mont
- Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Madrid Spain
| | | | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Reza Wakili
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology Goethe University Frankfurt Germany
| | - Mortiz Sinner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
- Department of Cardiology University Hospital of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Monica Stoll
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn Paderborn Germany
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
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6
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Song Q, Alvarez-Laviada A, Schrup SE, Reilly-O'Donnell B, Entcheva E, Gorelik J. Opto-SICM framework combines optogenetics with scanning ion conductance microscopy for probing cell-to-cell contacts. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1131. [PMID: 37938652 PMCID: PMC10632396 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05509-3] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a novel framework, Opto-SICM, for studies of cellular interactions in live cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. The approach combines scanning ion conductance microscopy, SICM, and cell-type-specific optogenetic interrogation. Light-excitable cardiac fibroblasts (FB) and myofibroblasts (myoFB) were plated together with non-modified cardiomyocytes (CM) and then paced with periodic illumination. Opto-SICM reveals the extent of FB/myoFB-CM cell-cell contacts and the dynamic changes over time not visible by optical microscopy. FB-CM pairs have lower gap junctional expression of connexin-43 and higher contact dynamism compared to myoFB-CM pairs. The responsiveness of CM to pacing via FB/myoFB depends on the dynamics of the contact but not on the area. The non-responding pairs have higher net cell-cell movement at the contact. These findings are relevant to cardiac disease states, where adverse remodeling leads to abnormal electrical excitation of CM. The Opto-SICM framework can be deployed to offer new insights on cellular and subcellular interactions in various cell types, in real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Song
- Imperial College London, Du Cane road, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Schrup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Julia Gorelik
- Imperial College London, Du Cane road, W12 0NN, London, UK.
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7
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Frangogiannis NG. Fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and cardiac arrhythmias. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR AGING 2023; 3:43. [PMID: 38235057 PMCID: PMC10793996 DOI: 10.20517/jca.2023.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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8
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Abstract
Fibroblasts in scar tissue elicit myocyte excitation and promote arrhythmia in mouse hearts.
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9
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Wang Y, Li Q, Tao B, Angelini M, Ramadoss S, Sun B, Wang P, Krokhaleva Y, Ma F, Gu Y, Espinoza A, Yamauchi K, Pellegrini M, Novitch B, Olcese R, Qu Z, Song Z, Deb A. Fibroblasts in heart scar tissue directly regulate cardiac excitability and arrhythmogenesis. Science 2023; 381:1480-1487. [PMID: 37769108 PMCID: PMC10768850 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh9925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
After heart injury, dead heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue. Fibroblasts can electrically couple with myocytes, and changes in fibroblast membrane potential can lead to myocyte excitability, which suggests that fibroblast-myocyte coupling in scar tissue may be responsible for arrhythmogenesis. However, the physiologic relevance of electrical coupling of myocytes and fibroblasts and its impact on cardiac excitability in vivo have never been demonstrated. We genetically engineered a mouse that expresses the optogenetic cationic channel ChR2 (H134R) exclusively in cardiac fibroblasts. After myocardial infarction, optical stimulation of scar tissue elicited organ-wide cardiac excitation and induced arrhythmias in these animals. Complementing computational modeling with experimental approaches, we showed that gap junctional and ephaptic coupling, in a synergistic yet functionally redundant manner, excited myocytes coupled to fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qihao Li
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Bo Tao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marina Angelini
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sivakumar Ramadoss
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Baiming Sun
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuliya Krokhaleva
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Feiyang Ma
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yiqian Gu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences–The Collaboratory, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alejandro Espinoza
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences–The Collaboratory, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ken Yamauchi
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences–The Collaboratory, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bennett Novitch
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Riccardo Olcese
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhilin Qu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhen Song
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Arjun Deb
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cardiovascular Theme, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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10
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Johnson RD, Lei M, McVey JH, Camelliti P. Human myofibroblasts increase the arrhythmogenic potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:276. [PMID: 37668685 PMCID: PMC10480244 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04924-3] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have the potential to remuscularize infarcted hearts but their arrhythmogenicity remains an obstacle to safe transplantation. Myofibroblasts are the predominant cell-type in the infarcted myocardium but their impact on transplanted hiPSC-CMs remains poorly defined. Here, we investigate the effect of myofibroblasts on hiPSC-CMs electrophysiology and Ca2+ handling using optical mapping of advanced human cell coculture systems mimicking cell-cell interaction modalities. Human myofibroblasts altered the electrophysiology and Ca2+ handling of hiPSC-CMs and downregulated mRNAs encoding voltage channels (KV4.3, KV11.1 and Kir6.2) and SERCA2a calcium pump. Interleukin-6 was elevated in the presence of myofibroblasts and direct stimulation of hiPSC-CMs with exogenous interleukin-6 recapitulated the paracrine effects of myofibroblasts. Blocking interleukin-6 reduced the effects of myofibroblasts only in the absence of physical contact between cell-types. Myofibroblast-specific connexin43 knockdown reduced functional changes in contact cocultures only when combined with interleukin-6 blockade. This provides the first in-depth investigation into how human myofibroblasts modulate hiPSC-CMs function, identifying interleukin-6 and connexin43 as paracrine- and contact-mediators respectively, and highlighting their potential as targets for reducing arrhythmic risk in cardiac cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John H McVey
- School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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11
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Simon-Chica A, Wülfers EM, Kohl P. Nonmyocytes as electrophysiological contributors to cardiac excitation and conduction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H475-H491. [PMID: 37417876 PMCID: PMC10538996 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although cardiac action potential (AP) generation and propagation have traditionally been attributed exclusively to cardiomyocytes (CM), other cell types in the heart are also capable of forming electrically conducting junctions. Interactions between CM and nonmyocytes (NM) enable and modulate each other's activity. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of heterocellular electrical communication in the heart. Although cardiac fibroblasts were initially thought to be electrical insulators, recent studies have demonstrated that they form functional electrical connections with CM in situ. Other NM, such as macrophages, have also been recognized as contributing to cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis. Novel experimental tools have enabled the investigation of cell-specific activity patterns in native cardiac tissue, which is expected to yield exciting new insights into the development of novel or improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Simon-Chica
- Novel Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Dickey GJ, Bian K, Islam SU, Khan HR, Rohr S, Mao H. Advancing Commotio cordis Safety Standards Using the Total Human Models for Safety (THUMS). Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2070-2085. [PMID: 37227601 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03235-9] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Commotio cordis is one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death in youth baseball. Currently, there are chest protector regulations regarding the prevention of Commotio cordis in baseball and lacrosse; however, they are not fully optimized. For the advancement of Commotio cordis safety, it is vital to include various age groups and a variety of impact angles in the testing process. This study employed finite element models and simulated Commotio cordis-inducing baseball collisions for different velocities, impact angles, and age groups. Commotio cordis risk response was characterized in terms of left ventricular strain and pressure, chest band and rib deformation, and force from impact. Normalized rib and chest band deformation when correlated with left ventricular strain resulted in R2 = 0.72, and R2 = 0.76, while left ventricular pressure resulted in R2 = 0.77, R2 = 0.68 across all velocities and impact angles in the child models. By contrast, the resultant reaction force risk metric as used by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) demonstrated a correlation of R2 = 0.20 in the child models to ventricular strain, while illustrating a correlation to pressure of R2 = 0.74. When exploring future revisions to Commotio cordis safety requirements, the inclusion of deformation-related risk metrics at the level of the left ventricle should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant James Dickey
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Kewei Bian
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Sakib Ul Islam
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Habib R Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Stephan Rohr
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Haojie Mao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
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13
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Lother A, Kohl P. The heterocellular heart: identities, interactions, and implications for cardiology. Basic Res Cardiol 2023; 118:30. [PMID: 37495826 PMCID: PMC10371928 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The heterocellular nature of the heart has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. In addition to cardiomyocytes as the prototypical cell type of the heart, non-myocytes such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or immune cells are coming more into focus. The rise of single-cell sequencing technologies enables identification of ever more subtle differences and has reignited the question of what defines a cell's identity. Here we provide an overview of the major cardiac cell types, describe their roles in homeostasis, and outline recent findings on non-canonical functions that may be of relevance for cardiology. We highlight modes of biochemical and biophysical interactions between different cardiac cell types and discuss the potential implications of the heterocellular nature of the heart for basic research and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Lother
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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14
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Gibbs CE, Marchianó S, Zhang K, Yang X, Murry CE, Boyle PM. Graft-host coupling changes can lead to engraftment arrhythmia: a computational study. J Physiol 2023; 601:2733-2749. [PMID: 37014103 PMCID: PMC10901678 DOI: 10.1113/jp284244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
After myocardial infarction (MI), a significant portion of heart muscle is replaced with scar tissue, progressively leading to heart failure. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM) offer a promising option for improving cardiac function after MI. However, hPSC-CM transplantation can lead to engraftment arrhythmia (EA). EA is a transient phenomenon arising shortly after transplantation then spontaneously resolving after a few weeks. The underlying mechanism of EA is unknown. We hypothesize that EA may be explained partially by time-varying, spatially heterogeneous, graft-host electrical coupling. Here, we created computational slice models derived from histological images that reflect different configuration of grafts in the infarcted ventricle. We ran simulations with varying degrees of connection imposed upon the graft-host perimeter to assess how heterogeneous electrical coupling affected EA with non-conductive scar, slow-conducting scar and scar replaced by host myocardium. We also quantified the effect of variation in intrinsic graft conductivity. Susceptibility to EA initially increased and subsequently decreased with increasing graft-host coupling, suggesting the waxing and waning of EA is regulated by progressive increases in graft-host coupling. Different spatial distributions of graft, host and scar yielded markedly different susceptibility curves. Computationally replacing non-conductive scar with host myocardium or slow-conducting scar, and increasing intrinsic graft conductivity both demonstrated potential means to blunt EA vulnerability. These data show how graft location, especially relative to scar, along with its dynamic electrical coupling to host, can influence EA burden; moreover, they offer a rational base for further studies aimed to define the optimal delivery of hPSC-CM injection. KEY POINTS: Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM) hold great cardiac regenerative potential but can also cause engraftment arrhythmias (EA). Spatiotemporal evolution in the pattern of electrical coupling between injected hPSC-CMs and surrounding host myocardium may explain the dynamics of EA observed in large animal models. We conducted simulations in histology-derived 2D slice computational models to assess the effects of heterogeneous graft-host electrical coupling on EA propensity, with or without scar tissue. Our findings suggest spatiotemporally heterogeneous graft-host coupling can create an electrophysiological milieu that favours graft-initiated host excitation, a surrogate metric of EA susceptibility. Removing scar from our models reduced but did not abolish the propensity for this phenomenon. Conversely, reduced intra-graft electrical connectedness increased the incidence of graft-initiated host excitation. The computational framework created for this study can be used to generate new hypotheses, targeted delivery of hPSC-CMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Gibbs
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Silvia Marchianó
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiulan Yang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrick M Boyle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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15
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Chen C, Wang J, Liu C, Hu J. Cardiac resident macrophages: key regulatory mediators in the aftermath of myocardial infarction. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207100. [PMID: 37457720 PMCID: PMC10348646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a prevalent and highly fatal global disease. Despite significant reduction in mortality rates with standard treatment regimens, the risk of heart failure (HF) remains high, necessitating innovative approaches to protect cardiac function and prevent HF progression. Cardiac resident macrophages (cMacs) have emerged as key regulators of the pathophysiology following MI. cMacs are a heterogeneous population composed of subsets with different lineage origins and gene expression profiles. Several critical aspects of post-MI pathophysiology have been shown to be regulated by cMacs, including recruitment of peripheral immune cells, clearance and replacement of damaged myocardial cells. Furthermore, cMacs play a crucial role in regulating cardiac fibrosis, risk of arrhythmia, energy metabolism, as well as vascular and lymphatic remodeling. Given the multifaceted roles of cMacs in post-MI pathophysiology, targeting cMacs represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Finally, we discuss novel treatment strategies, including using nanocarriers to deliver drugs to cMacs or using cell therapies to introduce exogenous protective cMacs into the heart.
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16
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Baggett BC, Murphy KR, Sengun E, Mi E, Cao Y, Turan NN, Lu Y, Schofield L, Kim TY, Kabakov AY, Bronk P, Qu Z, Camelliti P, Dubielecka P, Terentyev D, del Monte F, Choi BR, Sedivy J, Koren G. Myofibroblast senescence promotes arrhythmogenic remodeling in the aged infarcted rabbit heart. eLife 2023; 12:e84088. [PMID: 37204302 PMCID: PMC10259375 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84088] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) promotes cardiac arrhythmias. This process is well studied in young animals, but little is known about pro-arrhythmic changes in aged animals. Senescent cells accumulate with age and accelerate age-associated diseases. Senescent cells interfere with cardiac function and outcome post-MI with age, but studies have not been performed in larger animals, and the mechanisms are unknown. Specifically, age-associated changes in timecourse of senescence and related changes in inflammation and fibrosis are not well understood. Additionally, the cellular and systemic role of senescence and its inflammatory milieu in influencing arrhythmogenesis with age is not clear, particularly in large animal models with cardiac electrophysiology more similar to humans than previously studied animal models. Here, we investigated the role of senescence in regulating inflammation, fibrosis, and arrhythmogenesis in young and aged infarcted rabbits. Aged rabbits exhibited increased peri-procedural mortality and arrhythmogenic electrophysiological remodeling at the infarct border zone (IBZ) compared to young rabbits. Studies of the aged infarct zone revealed persistent myofibroblast senescence and increased inflammatory signaling over a 12-week timecourse. Senescent IBZ myofibroblasts in aged rabbits appear to be coupled to myocytes, and our computational modeling showed that senescent myofibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling prolongs action potential duration (APD) and facilitates conduction block permissive of arrhythmias. Aged infarcted human ventricles show levels of senescence consistent with aged rabbits, and senescent myofibroblasts also couple to IBZ myocytes. Our findings suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting senescent cells may mitigate arrhythmias post-MI with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett C Baggett
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Kevin R Murphy
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Elif Sengun
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Eric Mi
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Yueming Cao
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Nilufer N Turan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Yichun Lu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Lorraine Schofield
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Tae Yun Kim
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Anatoli Y Kabakov
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Peter Bronk
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Zhilin Qu
- School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Patrycja Dubielecka
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Department of Hematology, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Dmitry Terentyev
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | | | - Bum-Rak Choi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | | | - Gideon Koren
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
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17
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Desantis V, Potenza MA, Sgarra L, Nacci C, Scaringella A, Cicco S, Solimando AG, Vacca A, Montagnani M. microRNAs as Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Therapeutic Target in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065307. [PMID: 36982382 PMCID: PMC10049145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) may involve atrial fibrosis/remodeling and dysfunctional endothelial activities. Despite the currently available treatment approaches, the progression of AF, its recurrence rate, and the high mortality risk of related complications underlay the need for more advanced prognostic and therapeutic strategies. There is increasing attention on the molecular mechanisms controlling AF onset and progression points to the complex cell to cell interplay that triggers fibroblasts, immune cells and myofibroblasts, enhancing atrial fibrosis. In this scenario, endothelial cell dysfunction (ED) might play an unexpected but significant role. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In the cardiovascular compartment, both free circulating and exosomal miRNAs entail the control of plaque formation, lipid metabolism, inflammation and angiogenesis, cardiomyocyte growth and contractility, and even the maintenance of cardiac rhythm. Abnormal miRNAs levels may indicate the activation state of circulating cells, and thus represent a specific read-out of cardiac tissue changes. Although several unresolved questions still limit their clinical use, the ease of accessibility in biofluids and their prognostic and diagnostic properties make them novel and attractive biomarker candidates in AF. This article summarizes the most recent features of AF associated with miRNAs and relates them to potentially underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Desantis
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.D.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Maria Assunta Potenza
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.D.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Luca Sgarra
- General Hospital “F. Miulli” Acquaviva delle Fonti, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmela Nacci
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Scaringella
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cicco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Montagnani
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
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18
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Electrical Remodelling in Cardiac Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020230. [PMID: 36672164 PMCID: PMC9856618 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human heart responds to various diseases with structural, mechanical, and electrical remodelling processes [...].
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19
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Ripplinger CM, Glukhov AV, Kay MW, Boukens BJ, Chiamvimonvat N, Delisle BP, Fabritz L, Hund TJ, Knollmann BC, Li N, Murray KT, Poelzing S, Quinn TA, Remme CA, Rentschler SL, Rose RA, Posnack NG. Guidelines for assessment of cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias in small animals. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1137-H1166. [PMID: 36269644 PMCID: PMC9678409 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00439.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although recent advances in cell-based models, including human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM), are contributing to our understanding of electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms, preclinical animal studies of cardiovascular disease remain a mainstay. Over the past several decades, animal models of cardiovascular disease have advanced our understanding of pathological remodeling, arrhythmia mechanisms, and drug effects and have led to major improvements in pacing and defibrillation therapies. There exist a variety of methodological approaches for the assessment of cardiac electrophysiology and a plethora of parameters may be assessed with each approach. This guidelines article will provide an overview of the strengths and limitations of several common techniques used to assess electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms at the whole animal, whole heart, and tissue level with a focus on small animal models. We also define key electrophysiological parameters that should be assessed, along with their physiological underpinnings, and the best methods with which to assess these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department Physiology, University Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nipavan Chiamvimonvat
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Veterans Affairs Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California
| | - Brian P Delisle
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf with DZHK Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bjorn C Knollmann
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Na Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Katherine T Murray
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Virginia Tech Carilon School of Medicine, Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stacey L Rentschler
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert A Rose
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nikki G Posnack
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
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20
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Vitale E, Rosso R, Lo Iacono M, Cristallini C, Giachino C, Rastaldo R. Apelin-13 Increases Functional Connexin-43 through Autophagy Inhibition via AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Non-Myocytic Cell Population of the Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13073. [PMID: 36361860 PMCID: PMC9655608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown a link between the downregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant isoform in cardiac gap junctions, and high susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyocyte death. Non-myocytic cells (NMCs), the most abundant component of the heart, exert multiple cardiac functions and represent an important therapeutic target for diseased cardiac tissue. A few studies have investigated the effect of Apelin-13, an endogenous peptide with a key role in various cardiovascular functions, on Cx43 expression in cardiomyocytes. However, it remained unknown whether Apelin-13 influences Cx43 expression in NMCs. Here, we found that in NMCs, Cx43 protein expression increased after Apelin-13 treatment (100 nM for 48 h). Furthermore, dye transfer assays proved that Apelin-13-treated NMCs had a greater ability to communicate with surrounding cardiomyocytes, and this effect was abrogated by carbenoxolone, a gap junction inhibitor. Interestingly, we showed that Apelin-13 increased Cx43 through autophagy inhibition, as proved by the upregulation of p62 and LC3I, acting as 3-MA, a well-known autophagy inhibitor. In addition, Apelin-13-induced AKT and mTOR phosphorylation was abolished by LY294002 and rapamycin inhibitors resulting in Cx43 increased suppression. These results open the possibility of targeting gap junctions in NMCs with Apelin-13 as an exciting therapeutic approach with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Rachele Rosso
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marco Lo Iacono
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Caterina Cristallini
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, IPCF ss Pisa, CNR, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Giachino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rastaldo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
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21
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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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22
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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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23
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Siles-Paredes JG, Crowley CJ, Fenton FH, Bhatia N, Iravanian S, Sandoval I, Pollnow S, Dössel O, Salinet J, Uzelac I. Circle Method for Robust Estimation of Local Conduction Velocity High-Density Maps From Optical Mapping Data: Characterization of Radiofrequency Ablation Sites. Front Physiol 2022; 13:794761. [PMID: 36035466 PMCID: PMC9417315 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.794761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Conduction velocity (CV) slowing is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT). Clinical electroanatomical mapping systems used to localize AF or VT sources as ablation targets remain limited by the number of measuring electrodes and signal processing methods to generate high-density local activation time (LAT) and CV maps of heterogeneous atrial or trabeculated ventricular endocardium. The morphology and amplitude of bipolar electrograms depend on the direction of propagating electrical wavefront, making identification of low-amplitude signal sources commonly associated with fibrotic area difficulty. In comparison, unipolar electrograms are not sensitive to wavefront direction, but measurements are susceptible to distal activity. This study proposes a method for local CV calculation from optical mapping measurements, termed the circle method (CM). The local CV is obtained as a weighted sum of CV values calculated along different chords spanning a circle of predefined radius centered at a CV measurement location. As a distinct maximum in LAT differences is along the chord normal to the propagating wavefront, the method is adaptive to the propagating wavefront direction changes, suitable for electrical conductivity characterization of heterogeneous myocardium. In numerical simulations, CM was validated characterizing modeled ablated areas as zones of distinct CV slowing. Experimentally, CM was used to characterize lesions created by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on isolated hearts of rats, guinea pig, and explanted human hearts. To infer the depth of RFA-created lesions, excitation light bands of different penetration depths were used, and a beat-to-beat CV difference analysis was performed to identify CV alternans. Despite being limited to laboratory research, studies based on CM with optical mapping may lead to new translational insights into better-guided ablation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena G. Siles-Paredes
- Graduate Program in Biotechnoscience, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
- HEartLab, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Jimena G. Siles-Paredes,
| | | | - Flavio H. Fenton
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Physics, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Neal Bhatia
- Division of Cardiology, Section of Electrophysiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shahriar Iravanian
- Division of Cardiology, Section of Electrophysiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Stefan Pollnow
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)/Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Olaf Dössel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)/Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - João Salinet
- Graduate Program in Biotechnoscience, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
- HEartLab, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ilija Uzelac
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Physics, Atlanta, GA, United States
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24
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Li G, Yang J, Zhang D, Wang X, Han J, Guo X. Research Progress of Myocardial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:889706. [PMID: 35958428 PMCID: PMC9357935 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.889706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging population and the increasing incidence of basic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes (DM), the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased significantly. AF is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, which can cause heart failure (HF) and ischemic stroke (IS), increasing disability and mortality. Current studies point out that myocardial fibrosis (MF) is one of the most critical substrates for the occurrence and maintenance of AF. Although myocardial biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating MF, it is rarely used in clinical practice because it is an invasive procedure. In addition, serological indicators and imaging methods have also been used to evaluate MF. Nevertheless, the accuracy of serological markers in evaluating MF is controversial. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of MF, serological evaluation, imaging evaluation, and anti-fibrosis treatment to discuss the existing problems and provide new ideas for MF and AF evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangling Li
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Demei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xueya Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xueya Guo,
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25
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Saljic A, Grandi E, Dobrev D. TGF-β1-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition: a potential contributor to fibrotic remodeling in atrial fibrillation? J Clin Invest 2022; 132:161070. [PMID: 35775488 PMCID: PMC9246376 DOI: 10.1172/jci161070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, with an unmet therapeutic need. Fibrotic remodeling, in which collagen-producing atrial fibroblasts play a crucial role, substantially contributes to arrhythmia promotion and progression. In this issue of the JCI, Lai, Tsai, and co-authors reveal that TGF-β1 promoted endothelial-mesenchymal transition during AF and put forward the notion that, in the adult heart, atrial fibroblasts can originate from different cellular sources. These important findings extend our understanding of the origin, biology, and function of fibroblasts and offer possibilities for therapeutic targeting of fibrosis in AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnela Saljic
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Montréal Heart Institute and University de Montréal, Medicine and Research Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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26
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Xia R, Tomsits P, Loy S, Zhang Z, Pauly V, Schüttler D, Clauss S. Cardiac Macrophages and Their Effects on Arrhythmogenesis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:900094. [PMID: 35812333 PMCID: PMC9257039 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.900094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac electrophysiology is a complex system established by a plethora of inward and outward ion currents in cardiomyocytes generating and conducting electrical signals in the heart. However, not only cardiomyocytes but also other cell types can modulate the heart rhythm. Recently, cardiac macrophages were demonstrated as important players in both electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis. Cardiac macrophages are a heterogeneous group of immune cells including resident macrophages derived from embryonic and fetal precursors and recruited macrophages derived from circulating monocytes from the bone marrow. Recent studies suggest antiarrhythmic as well as proarrhythmic effects of cardiac macrophages. The proposed mechanisms of how cardiac macrophages affect electrophysiology vary and include both direct and indirect interactions with other cardiac cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the different subsets of macrophages in the heart and their possible interactions with cardiomyocytes under both physiologic conditions and heart disease. Furthermore, we elucidate similarities and differences between human, murine and porcine cardiac macrophages, thus providing detailed information for researchers investigating cardiac macrophages in important animal species for electrophysiologic research. Finally, we discuss the pros and cons of mice and pigs to investigate the role of cardiac macrophages in arrhythmogenesis from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibing Xia
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Tomsits
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Loy
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Valerie Pauly
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Schüttler
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sebastian Clauss,
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27
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Nayir S, Lacour SP, Kucera JP. Active force generation contributes to the complexity of spontaneous activity and to the response to stretch of murine cardiomyocyte cultures. J Physiol 2022; 600:3287-3312. [PMID: 35679256 PMCID: PMC9541716 DOI: 10.1113/jp283083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Cardiomyocyte cultures exhibit spontaneous electrical and contractile activity, as in a natural cardiac pacemaker. In such preparations, beat rate variability exhibits features similar to those of heart rate variability in vivo. Mechanical deformations and forces feed back on the electrical properties of cardiomyocytes, but it is not fully elucidated how this mechano‐electrical interplay affects beating variability in such preparations. Using stretchable microelectrode arrays, we assessed the effects of the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin and the non‐selective stretch‐activated channel blocker streptomycin on beating variability and on the response of neonatal or fetal murine ventricular cell cultures against deformation. Spontaneous electrical activity was recorded without stretch and upon predefined deformation protocols (5% uniaxial and 2% equibiaxial strain, applied repeatedly for 1 min every 3 min). Without stretch, spontaneous activity originated from the edge of the preparations, and its site of origin switched frequently in a complex manner across the cultures. Blebbistatin did not change mean beat rate, but it decreased the spatial complexity of spontaneous activity. In contrast, streptomycin did not exert any manifest effects. During the deformation protocols, beat rate increased transiently upon stretch but, paradoxically, also upon release. Blebbistatin attenuated the response to stretch, whereas this response was not affected by streptomycin. Therefore, our data support the notion that in a spontaneously firing network of cardiomyocytes, active force generation, rather than stretch‐activated channels, is involved mechanistically in the complexity of the spatiotemporal patterns of spontaneous activity and in the stretch‐induced acceleration of beating.
![]() Key points Monolayer cultures of cardiac cells exhibit spontaneous electrical and contractile activity, as in a natural cardiac pacemaker. Beating variability in these preparations recapitulates the power‐law behaviour of heart rate variability in vivo. However, the effects of mechano‐electrical feedback on beating variability are not yet fully understood. Using stretchable microelectrode arrays, we examined the effects of the contraction uncoupler blebbistatin and the non‐specific stretch‐activated channel blocker streptomycin on beating variability and on stretch‐induced changes of beat rate. Without stretch, blebbistatin decreased the spatial complexity of beating variability, whereas streptomycin had no effects. Both stretch and release increased beat rate transiently; blebbistatin attenuated the increase of beat rate upon stretch, whereas streptomycin had no effects. Active force generation contributes to the complexity of spatiotemporal patterns of beating variability and to the increase of beat rate upon mechanical deformation. Our study contributes to the understanding of how mechano‐electrical feedback influences heart rate variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Nayir
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jan P Kucera
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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28
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Greiner J, Sankarankutty AC, Seidel T, Sachse FB. Confocal microscopy-based estimation of intracellular conductivities in myocardium for modeling of the normal and infarcted heart. Comput Biol Med 2022; 146:105579. [PMID: 35588677 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmias are the leading cause of mortality in patients with ischemic heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Computational simulation of cardiac electrophysiology provides insights into these arrhythmias and their treatment. However, only sparse information is available on crucial model parameters, for instance, the anisotropic intracellular electrical conductivities. Here, we introduced an approach to estimate these conductivities in normal and MI hearts. We processed and analyzed images from confocal microscopy of left ventricular tissue of a rabbit MI model to generate 3D reconstructions. We derived tissue features including the volume fraction of myocytes (Vmyo), gap junctions-containing voxels (Vgj), and fibrosis (Vfibrosis). We generated models of the intracellular space and intercellular coupling. Applying numerical methods for solving Poisson's equation for stationary electrical currents, we calculated normal (σmyo,n), longitudinal (σmyo,l), and transverse (σmyo,t) intracellular conductivities. Using linear regression analysis, we assessed relationships of conductivities to tissue features. Vgj and Vmyo were reduced in MI vs. control, but Vfibrosis was increased. Both σmyo,l and σmyo,n were lower in MI than in control. Differences of σmyo,t between control and MI were not significant. We found strong positive relationships of σmyo,l with Vmyo and Vgj, and a strong negative relationship with Vfibrosis. The relationships of σmyo,n with these tissue features were similar but less pronounced. Our study provides quantitative insights into the intracellular conductivities in the normal and MI heart. We suggest that our study establishes a framework for the estimation of intracellular electrical conductivities of myocardium with various pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Greiner
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg·Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Aparna C Sankarankutty
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frank B Sachse
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
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29
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Kohl P, Greiner J, Rog-Zielinska EA. Electron microscopy of cardiac 3D nanodynamics: form, function, future. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 19:607-619. [PMID: 35396547 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00677-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The 3D nanostructure of the heart, its dynamic deformation during cycles of contraction and relaxation, and the effects of this deformation on cell function remain largely uncharted territory. Over the past decade, the first inroads have been made towards 3D reconstruction of heart cells, with a native resolution of around 1 nm3, and of individual molecules relevant to heart function at a near-atomic scale. These advances have provided access to a new generation of data and have driven the development of increasingly smart, artificial intelligence-based, deep-learning image-analysis algorithms. By high-pressure freezing of cardiomyocytes with millisecond accuracy after initiation of an action potential, pseudodynamic snapshots of contraction-induced deformation of intracellular organelles can now be captured. In combination with functional studies, such as fluorescence imaging, exciting insights into cardiac autoregulatory processes at nano-to-micro scales are starting to emerge. In this Review, we discuss the progress in this fascinating new field to highlight the fundamental scientific insight that has emerged, based on technological breakthroughs in biological sample preparation, 3D imaging and data analysis; to illustrate the potential clinical relevance of understanding 3D cardiac nanodynamics; and to predict further progress that we can reasonably expect to see over the next 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Greiner
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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30
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100 Hz ROCS microscopy correlated with fluorescence reveals cellular dynamics on different spatiotemporal scales. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1758. [PMID: 35365619 PMCID: PMC8975811 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence techniques dominate the field of live-cell microscopy, but bleaching and motion blur from too long integration times limit dynamic investigations of small objects. High contrast, label-free life-cell imaging of thousands of acquisitions at 160 nm resolution and 100 Hz is possible by Rotating Coherent Scattering (ROCS) microscopy, where intensity speckle patterns from all azimuthal illumination directions are added up within 10 ms. In combination with fluorescence, we demonstrate the performance of improved Total Internal Reflection (TIR)-ROCS with variable illumination including timescale decomposition and activity mapping at five different examples: millisecond reorganization of macrophage actin cortex structures, fast degranulation and pore opening in mast cells, nanotube dynamics between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, thermal noise driven binding behavior of virus-sized particles at cells, and, bacterial lectin dynamics at the cortex of lung cells. Using analysis methods we present here, we decipher how motion blur hides cellular structures and how slow structure motions cover decisive fast motions.
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31
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Gourdie RG. The enigmatic role of macrophages in cardiac electrical signalling. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:660-661. [PMID: 34894215 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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32
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Lagonegro P, Rossi S, Salvarani N, Lo Muzio FP, Rozzi G, Modica J, Bigi F, Quaretti M, Salviati G, Pinelli S, Alinovi R, Catalucci D, D'Autilia F, Gazza F, Condorelli G, Rossi F, Miragoli M. Synthetic recovery of impulse propagation in myocardial infarction via silicon carbide semiconductive nanowires. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6. [PMID: 35013167 PMCID: PMC8748722 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27637-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction causes 7.3 million deaths worldwide, mostly for fibrillation that electrically originates from the damaged areas of the left ventricle. Conventional cardiac bypass graft and percutaneous coronary interventions allow reperfusion of the downstream tissue but do not counteract the bioelectrical alteration originated from the infarct area. Genetic, cellular, and tissue engineering therapies are promising avenues but require days/months for permitting proper functional tissue regeneration. Here we engineered biocompatible silicon carbide semiconductive nanowires that synthetically couple, via membrane nanobridge formations, isolated beating cardiomyocytes over distance, restoring physiological cell-cell conductance, thereby permitting the synchronization of bioelectrical activity in otherwise uncoupled cells. Local in-situ multiple injections of nanowires in the left ventricular infarcted regions allow rapid reinstatement of impulse propagation across damaged areas and recover electrogram parameters and conduction velocity. Here we propose this nanomedical intervention as a strategy for reducing ventricular arrhythmia after acute myocardial infarction. Silicon-based materials have the ability to support bioelectrical activity. Here the authors show how injectable silicon carbide nanowires reduce arrhythmias and rapidly restore conduction in a myocardial infarction model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lagonegro
- Istituto dei Materiali per l'Elettronica e il Magnetismo (IMEM), National Research Council CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy.,Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (SCITEC-CNR), Via A. Corti 12, 20133, Milan, IT, Italy
| | - Stefano Rossi
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Nicolò Salvarani
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council CNR, UOS Milan Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, IT, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Lo Muzio
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche Odontostomatologiche e Materno-Infantili, Università di Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, - P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, IT, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rozzi
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy.,Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy
| | - Jessica Modica
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council CNR, UOS Milan Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, IT, Italy
| | - Franca Bigi
- Istituto dei Materiali per l'Elettronica e il Magnetismo (IMEM), National Research Council CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a - 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Martina Quaretti
- Istituto dei Materiali per l'Elettronica e il Magnetismo (IMEM), National Research Council CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a - 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Salviati
- Istituto dei Materiali per l'Elettronica e il Magnetismo (IMEM), National Research Council CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Silvana Pinelli
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Rossella Alinovi
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Daniele Catalucci
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council CNR, UOS Milan Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, IT, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Gazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Condorelli
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele Milan, IT, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Istituto dei Materiali per l'Elettronica e il Magnetismo (IMEM), National Research Council CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy
| | - Michele Miragoli
- CERT, Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Tossicologica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124, Parma, IT, Italy. .,Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano (Milan), IT, Italy.
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33
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Ghosh R, Menon SN. Spontaneous generation of persistent activity in diffusively coupled cellular assemblies. Phys Rev E 2022; 105:014311. [PMID: 35193258 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.105.014311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The spontaneous generation of electrical activity underpins a number of essential physiological processes, and is observed even in tissues where specialized pacemaker cells have not been identified. The emergence of periodic oscillations in diffusively coupled assemblies of excitable and electrically passive cells (which are individually incapable of sustaining autonomous activity) has been suggested as a possible mechanism underlying such phenomena. In this paper we investigate the dynamics of such assemblies in more detail by considering simple motifs of coupled electrically active and passive cells. The resulting behavior encompasses a wide range of dynamical phenomena, including chaos. However, embedding such assemblies in a lattice yields spatiotemporal patterns that either correspond to a quiescent state or to partial or globally synchronized oscillations. The resulting reduction in dynamical complexity suggests an emergent simplicity in the collective dynamics of such large, spatially extended systems. Furthermore, we show that such patterns can be reproduced by a reduced model comprising only excitatory and oscillatory elements. Our results suggest a generalization of the mechanism by which periodic activity can emerge in a heterogeneous system comprising nonoscillatory elements by coupling them diffusively, provided their steady states in isolation are sufficiently dissimilar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Ghosh
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Shakti N Menon
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India
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34
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Müllenbroich MC, Kelly A, Acker C, Bub G, Bruegmann T, Di Bona A, Entcheva E, Ferrantini C, Kohl P, Lehnart SE, Mongillo M, Parmeggiani C, Richter C, Sasse P, Zaglia T, Sacconi L, Smith GL. Novel Optics-Based Approaches for Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Review. Front Physiol 2021; 12:769586. [PMID: 34867476 PMCID: PMC8637189 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.769586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical techniques for recording and manipulating cellular electrophysiology have advanced rapidly in just a few decades. These developments allow for the analysis of cardiac cellular dynamics at multiple scales while largely overcoming the drawbacks associated with the use of electrodes. The recent advent of optogenetics opens up new possibilities for regional and tissue-level electrophysiological control and hold promise for future novel clinical applications. This article, which emerged from the international NOTICE workshop in 2018, reviews the state-of-the-art optical techniques used for cardiac electrophysiological research and the underlying biophysics. The design and performance of optical reporters and optogenetic actuators are reviewed along with limitations of current probes. The physics of light interaction with cardiac tissue is detailed and associated challenges with the use of optical sensors and actuators are presented. Case studies include the use of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and super-resolution microscopy to explore the micro-structure of cardiac cells and a review of two photon and light sheet technologies applied to cardiac tissue. The emergence of cardiac optogenetics is reviewed and the current work exploring the potential clinical use of optogenetics is also described. Approaches which combine optogenetic manipulation and optical voltage measurement are discussed, in terms of platforms that allow real-time manipulation of whole heart electrophysiology in open and closed-loop systems to study optimal ways to terminate spiral arrhythmias. The design and operation of optics-based approaches that allow high-throughput cardiac electrophysiological assays is presented. Finally, emerging techniques of photo-acoustic imaging and stress sensors are described along with strategies for future development and establishment of these techniques in mainstream electrophysiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allen Kelly
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Corey Acker
- Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Gil Bub
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna Di Bona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan E. Lehnart
- Heart Research Center Göttingen, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Richter
- German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Sasse
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Florence, Italy
| | - Godfrey L. Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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35
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Verheule S, Schotten U. Electrophysiological Consequences of Cardiac Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113220. [PMID: 34831442 PMCID: PMC8625398 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For both the atria and ventricles, fibrosis is generally recognized as one of the key determinants of conduction disturbances. By definition, fibrosis refers to an increased amount of fibrous tissue. However, fibrosis is not a singular entity. Various forms can be distinguished, that differ in distribution: replacement fibrosis, endomysial and perimysial fibrosis, and perivascular, endocardial, and epicardial fibrosis. These different forms typically result from diverging pathophysiological mechanisms and can have different consequences for conduction. The impact of fibrosis on propagation depends on exactly how the patterns of electrical connections between myocytes are altered. We will therefore first consider the normal patterns of electrical connections and their regional diversity as determinants of propagation. Subsequently, we will summarize current knowledge on how different forms of fibrosis lead to a loss of electrical connectivity in order to explain their effects on propagation and mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis, including ectopy, reentry, and alternans. Finally, we will discuss a histological quantification of fibrosis. Because of the different forms of fibrosis and their diverging effects on electrical propagation, the total amount of fibrosis is a poor indicator for the effect on conduction. Ideally, an assessment of cardiac fibrosis should exclude fibrous tissue that does not affect conduction and differentiate between the various types that do; in this article, we highlight practical solutions for histological analysis that meet these requirements.
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36
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Nicin L, Wagner JUG, Luxán G, Dimmeler S. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk in the healthy and diseased heart. FEBS Lett 2021; 596:638-654. [PMID: 34787896 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts constitute a major cell population in the heart. They secrete extracellular matrix components and various other factors shaping the microenvironment of the heart. In silico analysis of intercellular communication based on single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that fibroblasts are the source of the majority of outgoing signals to other cell types. This observation suggests that fibroblasts play key roles in orchestrating cellular interactions that maintain organ homeostasis but that can also contribute to disease states. Here, we will review the current knowledge of fibroblast interactions in the healthy, diseased, and aging heart. We focus on the interactions that fibroblasts establish with other cells of the heart, specifically cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and immune cells, and particularly those relying on paracrine, electrical, and exosomal communication modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Nicin
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julian U G Wagner
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Guillermo Luxán
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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37
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What keeps us ticking? Sinoatrial node mechano-sensitivity: the grandfather clock of cardiac rhythm. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:707-716. [PMID: 34777615 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rhythmic and spontaneously generated electrical excitation that triggers the heartbeat originates in the sinoatrial node (SAN). SAN automaticity has been thoroughly investigated, which has uncovered fundamental mechanisms involved in cardiac pacemaking that are generally categorised into two interacting and overlapping systems: the 'membrane' and 'Ca2+ clock'. The principal focus of research has been on these two systems of oscillators, which have been studied primarily in single cells and isolated tissue, experimental preparations that do not consider mechanical factors present in the whole heart. SAN mechano-sensitivity has long been known to be a contributor to SAN pacemaking-both as a driver and regulator of automaticity-but its essential nature has been underappreciated. In this review, following a description of the traditional 'clocks' of SAN automaticity, we describe mechanisms of SAN mechano-sensitivity and its vital role for SAN function, making the argument that the 'mechanics oscillator' is, in fact, the 'grandfather clock' of cardiac rhythm.
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38
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Poelzing S, Weinberg SH, Keener JP. Initiation and entrainment of multicellular automaticity via diffusion limited extracellular domains. Biophys J 2021; 120:5279-5294. [PMID: 34757078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrically excitable cells often spontaneously and synchronously depolarize in vitro and in vivo preparations. It remains unclear how cells entrain and autorhythmically activate above the intrinsic mean activation frequency of isolated cells with or without pacemaking mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that cyclic ion accumulation and depletion in diffusion-limited extracellular volumes modulate electrophysiology by ephaptic mechanisms (nongap junction or synaptic coupling). This report explores how potassium accumulation and depletion in a restricted extracellular domain induces spontaneous action potentials in two different computational models of excitable cells without gap junctional coupling: Hodgkin-Huxley and Luo-Rudy. Importantly, neither model will spontaneously activate on its own without external stimuli. Simulations demonstrate that cells sharing a diffusion-limited extracellular compartment can become autorhythmic and entrained despite intercellular electrical heterogeneity. Autorhythmic frequency is modulated by the cleft volume and potassium fluxes through the cleft. Additionally, inexcitable cells can suppress or induce autorhythmic activity in an excitable cell via a shared cleft. Diffusion-limited shared clefts can also entrain repolarization. Critically, this model predicts a mechanism by which diffusion-limited shared clefts can initiate, entrain, and modulate multicellular automaticity in the absence of gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Poelzing
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.
| | - Seth H Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, and the Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - James P Keener
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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39
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Han B, Trew ML, Zgierski-Johnston CM. Cardiac Conduction Velocity, Remodeling and Arrhythmogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112923. [PMID: 34831145 PMCID: PMC8616078 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac electrophysiological disorders, in particular arrhythmias, are a key cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. There are two basic requirements for arrhythmogenesis: an underlying substrate and a trigger. Altered conduction velocity (CV) provides a key substrate for arrhythmogenesis, with slowed CV increasing the probability of re-entrant arrhythmias by reducing the length scale over which re-entry can occur. In this review, we examine methods to measure cardiac CV in vivo and ex vivo, discuss underlying determinants of CV, and address how pathological variations alter CV, potentially increasing arrhythmogenic risk. Finally, we will highlight future directions both for methodologies to measure CV and for possible treatments to restore normal CV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Han
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Jinan, 250031 Jinan, China
| | - Mark L. Trew
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Callum M. Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Correspondence:
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40
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Sánchez J, Trenor B, Saiz J, Dössel O, Loewe A. Fibrotic Remodeling during Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: In Silico Investigation of the Role of Calcium for Human Atrial Myofibroblast Electrophysiology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112852. [PMID: 34831076 PMCID: PMC8616446 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During atrial fibrillation, cardiac tissue undergoes different remodeling processes at different scales from the molecular level to the tissue level. One central player that contributes to both electrical and structural remodeling is the myofibroblast. Based on recent experimental evidence on myofibroblasts' ability to contract, we extended a biophysical myofibroblast model with Ca2+ handling components and studied the effect on cellular and tissue electrophysiology. Using genetic algorithms, we fitted the myofibroblast model parameters to the existing in vitro data. In silico experiments showed that Ca2+ currents can explain the experimentally observed variability regarding the myofibroblast resting membrane potential. The presence of an L-type Ca2+ current can trigger automaticity in the myofibroblast with a cycle length of 799.9 ms. Myocyte action potentials were prolonged when coupled to myofibroblasts with Ca2+ handling machinery. Different spatial myofibroblast distribution patterns increased the vulnerable window to induce arrhythmia from 12 ms in non-fibrotic tissue to 22 ± 2.5 ms and altered the reentry dynamics. Our findings suggest that Ca2+ handling can considerably affect myofibroblast electrophysiology and alter the electrical propagation in atrial tissue composed of myocytes coupled with myofibroblasts. These findings can inform experimental validation experiments to further elucidate the role of myofibroblast Ca2+ handling in atrial arrhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Beatriz Trenor
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitàt Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (B.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitàt Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (B.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Olaf Dössel
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Axel Loewe
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
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41
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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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42
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Amoni M, Dries E, Ingelaere S, Vermoortele D, Roderick HL, Claus P, Willems R, Sipido KR. Ventricular Arrhythmias in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy-New Avenues for Mechanism-Guided Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:2629. [PMID: 34685609 PMCID: PMC8534043 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of lethal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). In patients who are at high risk after myocardial infarction, implantable cardioverter defibrillators are the most effective treatment to reduce incidence of SCD and ablation therapy can be effective for ventricular arrhythmias with identifiable culprit lesions. Yet, these approaches are not always successful and come with a considerable cost, while pharmacological management is often poor and ineffective, and occasionally proarrhythmic. Advances in mechanistic insights of arrhythmias and technological innovation have led to improved interventional approaches that are being evaluated clinically, yet pharmacological advancement has remained behind. We review the mechanistic basis for current management and provide a perspective for gaining new insights that centre on the complex tissue architecture of the arrhythmogenic infarct and border zone with surviving cardiac myocytes as the source of triggers and central players in re-entry circuits. Identification of the arrhythmia critical sites and characterisation of the molecular signature unique to these sites can open avenues for targeted therapy and reduce off-target effects that have hampered systemic pharmacotherapy. Such advances are in line with precision medicine and a patient-tailored therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Amoni
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa
| | - Eef Dries
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
| | - Sebastian Ingelaere
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dylan Vermoortele
- Imaging and Cardiovascular Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.V.); (P.C.)
| | - H. Llewelyn Roderick
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
| | - Piet Claus
- Imaging and Cardiovascular Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.V.); (P.C.)
| | - Rik Willems
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin R. Sipido
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.A.); (E.D.); (S.I.); (H.L.R.); (R.W.)
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Zhan H, Wang Z, Lin J, Yu Y, Xia L. Optogenetic actuation in ChR2-transduced fibroblasts alter excitation-contraction coupling and mechano-electric feedback in coupled cardiomyocytes: a computational modeling study. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2021; 18:8354-8373. [PMID: 34814303 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2021414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With the help of the conventional electrical method and the growing optogenetic technology, cardiac fibroblasts (Fbs) have been verified to couple electrically with working myocytes and bring electrophysiological remodeling changes in them. The intrinsic properties of cardiac functional autoregulation represented by excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and mechano-electric feedback (MEF) have also been extensively studied. However, the roles of optogenetic stimulation on the characteristics of ECC and MEF in cardiomyocytes (CMs) coupled with Fbs have been barely investigated. In this study, we proposed a combined model composed of three modules to explore these influences. Simulation results showed that (1) during ECC, an increased light duration (LD) strengthened the inflow of ChR2 current and prolonged action potential duration (APD), and extended durations of twitch and internal sarcomere deformation through the decreased dissociation of calcium with troponin C (CaTnC) complexes and the prolonged duration of Xb attachment-detachment; (2) during MEF, an increased LD was followed by a longer muscle twitch and deformation, and led to APD prolongation through the inward ChR2 current and its inward rectification kinetics, which far outweighed the effects of the delaying dissociation of CaTnC complexes and the prolonged reverse mode of Na+-Ca2+ exchange on AP shortening; (3) due to the ChR2 current's rectification feature, enhancing the light irradiance (LI) brought slight variations in peak or valley values of electrophysiological and mechanical parameters while did not change durations of AP and twitch and muscle deformation in both ECC and MEF. In conclusion, the inward ChR2 current and its inward rectification feature were found to affect significantly the durations of AP and twitch in both ECC and MEF. The roles of optogenetic actuation on both ECC and MEF should be considered in future cardiac computational optogenetics at the tissue and organ scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heqing Zhan
- College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jialun Lin
- College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuanbo Yu
- College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ling Xia
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Krishnan A, Chilton E, Raman J, Saxena P, McFarlane C, Trollope AF, Kinobe R, Chilton L. Are Interactions between Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiac Myocytes Instrumental in Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation? Cells 2021; 10:2501. [PMID: 34572150 PMCID: PMC8467050 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is very common among the elderly and/or obese. While myocardial fibrosis is associated with atrial fibrillation, the exact mechanisms within atrial myocytes and surrounding non-myocytes are not fully understood. This review considers the potential roles of myocardial fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in fibrosis and modulating myocyte electrophysiology through electrotonic interactions. Coupling with (myo)fibroblasts in vitro and in silico prolonged myocyte action potential duration and caused resting depolarization; an optogenetic study has verified in vivo that fibroblasts depolarized when coupled myocytes produced action potentials. This review also introduces another non-myocyte which may modulate both myocardial (myo)fibroblasts and myocytes: epicardial adipose tissue. Epicardial adipocytes are in intimate contact with myocytes and (myo)fibroblasts and may infiltrate the myocardium. Adipocytes secrete numerous adipokines which modulate (myo)fibroblast and myocyte physiology. These adipokines are protective in healthy hearts, preventing inflammation and fibrosis. However, adipokines secreted from adipocytes may switch to pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic, associated with reactive oxygen species generation. Pro-fibrotic adipokines stimulate myofibroblast differentiation, causing pronounced fibrosis in the epicardial adipose tissue and the myocardium. Adipose tissue also influences myocyte electrophysiology, via the adipokines and/or through electrotonic interactions. Deeper understanding of the interactions between myocytes and non-myocytes is important to understand and manage atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Krishnan
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Emily Chilton
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada;
| | - Jaishankar Raman
- Austin & St Vincent’s Hospitals, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3217, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Pankaj Saxena
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia;
| | - Craig McFarlane
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Alexandra F. Trollope
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Robert Kinobe
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Lisa Chilton
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
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Martins-Marques T. Connecting different heart diseases through intercellular communication. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058777. [PMID: 34494646 PMCID: PMC8443862 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-orchestrated intercellular communication networks are pivotal to maintaining cardiac homeostasis and to ensuring adaptative responses and repair after injury. Intracardiac communication is sustained by cell-cell crosstalk, directly via gap junctions (GJ) and tunneling nanotubes (TNT), indirectly through the exchange of soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EV), and by cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. GJ-mediated communication between cardiomyocytes and with other cardiac cell types enables electrical impulse propagation, required to sustain synchronized heart beating. In addition, TNT-mediated organelle transfer has been associated with cardioprotection, whilst communication via EV plays diverse pathophysiological roles, being implicated in angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. Connecting various cell populations, the ECM plays important functions not only in maintaining the heart structure, but also acting as a signal transducer for intercellular crosstalk. Although with distinct etiologies and clinical manifestations, intercellular communication derailment has been implicated in several cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction and hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive and integrated view of complex cell communication networks. In this review, I intend to provide a critical perspective about the main mechanisms contributing to regulate cellular crosstalk in the heart, which may be considered in the development of future therapeutic strategies, using cell-based therapies as a paradigmatic example. This Review has an associated Future Leader to Watch interview with the author.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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Remodeling of Cardiac Gap Junctional Cell-Cell Coupling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092422. [PMID: 34572071 PMCID: PMC8465208 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart works as a functional syncytium, which is realized via cell-cell coupling maintained by gap junction channels. These channels connect two adjacent cells, so that action potentials can be transferred. Each cell contributes a hexameric hemichannel (=connexon), formed by protein subuntis named connexins. These hemichannels dock to each other and form the gap junction channel. This channel works as a low ohmic resistor also allowing the passage of small molecules up to 1000 Dalton. Connexins are a protein family comprising of 21 isoforms in humans. In the heart, the main isoforms are Cx43 (the 43 kDa connexin; ubiquitous), Cx40 (mostly in atrium and specific conduction system), and Cx45 (in early developmental states, in the conduction system, and between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes). These gap junction channels are mainly located at the polar region of the cardiomyocytes and thus contribute to the anisotropic pattern of cardiac electrical conductivity. While in the beginning the cell–cell coupling was considered to be static, similar to an anatomically defined structure, we have learned in the past decades that gap junctions are also subject to cardiac remodeling processes in cardiac disease such as atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, or cardiomyopathy. The underlying remodeling processes include the modulation of connexin expression by e.g., angiotensin, endothelin, or catecholamines, as well as the modulation of the localization of the gap junctions e.g., by the direction and strength of local mechanical forces. A reduction in connexin expression can result in a reduced conduction velocity. The alteration of gap junction localization has been shown to result in altered pathways of conduction and altered anisotropy. In particular, it can produce or contribute to non-uniformity of anisotropy, and thereby can pre-form an arrhythmogenic substrate. Interestingly, these remodeling processes seem to be susceptible to certain pharmacological treatment.
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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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Gheorghiu M, Polonschii C, Popescu O, Gheorghiu E. Advanced Optogenetic-Based Biosensing and Related Biomaterials. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14154151. [PMID: 34361345 PMCID: PMC8347019 DOI: 10.3390/ma14154151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to stimulate mammalian cells with light, brought along by optogenetic control, has significantly broadened our understanding of electrically excitable tissues. Backed by advanced (bio)materials, it has recently paved the way towards novel biosensing concepts supporting bio-analytics applications transversal to the main biomedical stream. The advancements concerning enabling biomaterials and related novel biosensing concepts involving optogenetics are reviewed with particular focus on the use of engineered cells for cell-based sensing platforms and the available toolbox (from mere actuators and reporters to novel multifunctional opto-chemogenetic tools) for optogenetic-enabled real-time cellular diagnostics and biosensor development. The key advantages of these modified cell-based biosensors concern both significantly faster (minutes instead of hours) and higher sensitivity detection of low concentrations of bioactive/toxic analytes (below the threshold concentrations in classical cellular sensors) as well as improved standardization as warranted by unified analytic platforms. These novel multimodal functional electro-optical label-free assays are reviewed among the key elements for optogenetic-based biosensing standardization. This focused review is a potential guide for materials researchers interested in biosensing based on light-responsive biomaterials and related analytic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Gheorghiu
- International Centre of Biodynamics, 1B Intrarea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Cristina Polonschii
- International Centre of Biodynamics, 1B Intrarea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Octavian Popescu
- Molecular Biology Center, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai-University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugen Gheorghiu
- International Centre of Biodynamics, 1B Intrarea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (E.G.)
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Funken M, Bruegmann T, Sasse P. Selective optogenetic stimulation of fibroblasts enables quantification of hetero-cellular coupling to cardiomyocytes in a three-dimensional model of heart tissue. Europace 2021; 22:1590-1599. [PMID: 32808019 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Besides providing mechanical stability, fibroblasts in the heart could modulate the electrical properties of cardiomyocytes. Here, we aim to develop a three-dimensional hetero-cellular model to analyse the electric interaction between fibroblasts and human cardiomyocytes in vitro using selective optogenetic de- or hyperpolarization of fibroblasts. METHODS AND RESULTS NIH3T3 cell lines expressing the light-sensitive ion channel Channelrhodopsin2 or the light-induced proton pump Archaerhodopsin were generated for optogenetic depolarization or hyperpolarization, respectively, and characterized by patch clamp. Cardiac bodies consisting of 50% fibroblasts and 50% human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were analysed by video microscopy and membrane potential was measured with sharp electrodes. Myofibroblast activation in cardiac bodies was enhanced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulation. Connexin-43 expression was analysed by qPCR and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Illumination of Channelrhodopsin2 or Archaerhodopsin expressing fibroblasts induced inward currents and depolarization or outward currents and hyperpolarization. Transforming growth factor-β1-stimulation elevated connexin-43 expression and increased cell-cell coupling between fibroblasts as well as increased basal beating frequency and cardiomyocyte resting membrane potential in cardiac bodies. Illumination of cardiac bodies generated with Channelrhodopsin2 fibroblasts accelerated spontaneous beating, especially after TGF-β1-stimulation. Illumination of cardiac bodies prepared with Archaerhodopsin expressing fibroblasts led to hyperpolarization of cardiomyocytes and complete block of spontaneous beating after TGF-β1-stimulation. Effects of light were significantly smaller without TGF-β1-stimulation. CONCLUSION Transforming growth factor-β1-stimulation leads to increased hetero-cellular coupling and optogenetic hyperpolarization of fibroblasts reduces TGF-β1 induced effects on cardiomyocyte spontaneous activity. Optogenetic membrane potential manipulation selectively in fibroblasts in a new hetero-cellular cardiac body model allows direct quantification of fibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Funken
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115 Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,DZHK e. V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Sasse
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Tiwari V, Koganti R, Russell G, Sharma A, Shukla D. Role of Tunneling Nanotubes in Viral Infection, Neurodegenerative Disease, and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680891. [PMID: 34194434 PMCID: PMC8236699 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The network of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) represents the filamentous (F)-actin rich tubular structure which is connected to the cytoplasm of the adjacent and or distant cells to mediate efficient cell-to-cell communication. They are long cytoplasmic bridges with an extraordinary ability to perform diverse array of function ranging from maintaining cellular physiology and cell survival to promoting immune surveillance. Ironically, TNTs are now widely documented to promote the spread of various pathogens including viruses either during early or late phase of their lifecycle. In addition, TNTs have also been associated with multiple pathologies in a complex multicellular environment. While the recent work from multiple laboratories has elucidated the role of TNTs in cellular communication and maintenance of homeostasis, this review focuses on their exploitation by the diverse group of viruses such as retroviruses, herpesviruses, influenza A, human metapneumovirus and SARS CoV-2 to promote viral entry, virus trafficking and cell-to-cell spread. The later process may aggravate disease severity and the associated complications due to widespread dissemination of the viruses to multiple organ system as observed in current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In addition, the TNT-mediated intracellular spread can be protective to the viruses from the circulating immune surveillance and possible neutralization activity present in the extracellular matrix. This review further highlights the relevance of TNTs in ocular and cardiac tissues including neurodegenerative diseases, chemotherapeutic resistance, and cancer pathogenesis. Taken together, we suggest that effective therapies should consider precise targeting of TNTs in several diseases including virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Raghuram Koganti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Greer Russell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Ananya Sharma
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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